Pope admits “gay lobby” in Vatican
Sexual orientation isn’t the real problem. Sexually active and thus compromised clerics are the real problem.
Allegedly celibate men (gay or straight) can, and often do, take advantage of their status and power. They often sexually exploit innocent children and vulnerable adults. And when they do, they become unable or unwilling to “blow the whistle” on others who commit or conceal misconduct, whether sexual or financial. The corruption then spreads unchecked.
That’s why secular organizations must work to limit the sometimes seemingly limitless power of religious figures. No institution can effectively police itself, especially not an ancient, rigid, secretive, all-male monarchy like the Catholic hierarchy.
It’s highly unlikely there will be a thorough “clean sweep” of Curia personnel. But if that were to happen, it still won’t make much of a difference. The Vatican, like the rest of the Catholic hierarchy, will remain headed by men who feel and act like they answer to virtually no one, because that’s largely the case. They will continue to have, and often abuse, their vast, nearly unchecked power.
Structure, not sexuality, is the real issue. The church is a monarchy. Monarchs are unaccountable. So many monarchs are corrupt. This is true in both secular and religious institutions. Again, that is why, for the sake of public safety, we implore governmental and law enforcement and legislative bodies to step up their efforts to prevent and prosecute sexual crimes and cover ups by church officials.
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
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