PA-Victims to Philly archbishop: don't give Lynn a job
For immediate release: Thursday, January 2, 2013
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 862 7688 home, 314 503 0003 cell, [email protected])
We again call on Archbishop Charles Chaput to reassure parents, parishioners and the public that he won't put Msgr. William Lynn back on the job anywhere.
There's some doubt about whether Msgr. Lynn can be criminally prosecuted for his wrongdoing. There is no doubt, however, that he did wrong. And his wrongdoing was repeated and serious - knowingly putting proven, admitted and credibly accused child molesters into new parishes without warning parents or telling police.
So we're upset that Archbishop Charles Chaput paid Lynn's bail. Chaput's action sends the worst possible message to current and former Catholic employees: "No matter how recklessly, callously and deceitfully you danger kids and protect predators, the Catholic hierarchy will help you."
Now, Chaput could add insult to injury - and send another distressing message - by giving Msgr. Lynn another assignment. We hope that Chaput won't do this. In fact, we hope Chaput will show some compassion and sensitivity, and put the fears of Philadelphia Catholics and victims at rest, by publicly announcing that Msgr. Lynn will be given no position - now or ever.
It's the least Chaput can do, given the harm that Msgr. Lynn has done. And it's the least Chaput can do, if he wants to show that there's been even the slightest reform in the Catholic hierarchy when it comes to the safety of kids.
Contact - David Clohessy (314-566-9790 cell, [email protected]), Barbara Dorris (314-862-7688 home, 314-503-0003 cell, [email protected]), Barbara Blaine (312-399-4747, [email protected])
Winter Appeal 2023
To our friends,
2023 has been a long year with many ups and downs for us all. As we close out the year, we at SNAP hope that you are feeling like you are on your way to being healthy, fulfilled, and happy. This past year has brought both successes and challenges. Thanks to the support you have shown in the past, we’ve been able to celebrate the good days and weather the stormy ones. Now, we are once again asking for your support as we work to support survivors new and old as we ‘Move SNAP Forward.’
At SNAP we are proud to have hosted a very well-attended conference in August 2023. This event allowed us to gather friends, survivors, advocates, and allies for a weekend of camaraderie and connection. We were so happy to be able to welcome many first-time attendees to gather in person and are already looking forward to the next conference.
To strengthen our movement for justice, healing, and prevention, SNAP will be expanding our peer support and providing more volunteer opportunities in the coming year. Through this great work, we are ensuring survivor voices are represented as we work for significant change that will benefit children and survivors.
Right now, survivors worldwide are getting the help they need from SNAP, and more and more reach out to us daily, but we need your help to keep those programs going and get our volunteers the training they need to thrive.
Your tax-deductible gift to SNAP can help offset the cost of our important mission. If you are not in a position to contribute, you can still support us by sharing this letter with those who can. As we continue to fight for survivors across the globe, your donation or sharing the great work SNAP does will help us continue our work to protect the vulnerable, heal the wounded, and prevent abuse.
Your donation ensures SNAP will be there for those who need us more than ever!
Warmly,
Michael W. McDonnell, C.P.S.
Interim Executive Director