Vatican - Legion must show tangible reform signs, SNAP says
For immediate release: Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
As the embattled and controversial Legion of Christ picks new leaders, some question whether it's reforming or not. It's a dreadfully premature and naive question.
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/legion-christ-critical-juncture-21449858
Until the Legion takes clear, proven steps that protect kids and "out" wrongdoers, this question shouldn't even be asked.
Some of the Legion's trouble stems from questionable finances and its cult-like atmosphere. But most of it stems from clergy sex crimes and cover ups.
And very specific "reform" steps can be taken in clergy sex cases - measurable moves that actually safeguard kids by exposing those who commit and conceal sexual violence against kids.
Has the Legion identified even one complicit cleric who protected Fr. Maciel?
Has the Legion voluntarily exposed even one child molesting clerics?
Has the Legion disciplined even one complicit cleric who shielded any Legion predator?
Has the Legion voluntarily given even one known or suspected pedophile priests records to police?
As best we can tell, none of this has been done. So how can this secretive order even claim to be "reforming?"
We beg every single person who saw, suspected or suffered wrongdoing in the Legion to speak up. We beg them to call police, prosecutors, lawyers, journalists and support groups.
And we beg Catholic officials who must deal with the Legion to do so with great skepticism, and keep pushing for real reform on the central issue here - how the Legion handles clergy sex crimes and cover ups, now and in the past.
Contact - David Clohessy (314-566-9790 cell, [email protected]), Barbara Dorris (314-503-0003 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