Serial KC predator priest dies; Bishop keeps secret
Accused serial predator priest Fr. Francis E. McGlynn has passed away, and despite repeated pledges to be “open and transparent” about clergy sex crimes, McGlynn’s supervisor Bishop Robert Finn apparently has told no one in the public or the parishes. We suspect he didn’t tell police or prosecutors either. Sadly, none of the hundreds of current or former KC diocesan employees saw fit to spread the news either.
Being honest about the death of a credibly accused predator priest matters for several reasons:
First, it’s comforting when victims know that their perpetrator can no longer hurt any other kids. But that doesn’t happen (or happens years later) if the predator’s death is kept secret.
Second, sometimes victims who are trapped in fear, shame and self-blame feel ‘liberated’ when their perpetrator dies. They are then more apt to speak up, get help, expose wrongdoing and start healing. But that doesn’t happen (or happens years later) if the predator’s death is kept secret.
Third, it’s important and reassuring when bishops keep their promises to be open about clergy sex crimes and cover ups. And it’s distressing – for victims, witnesses, whistleblowers and parishioners – when they do not.
So it’s callous and selfish for bishops to keep secret about the death of a pedophile priest.
According to “Tony’s Kansas City” blog, "McGlynn worked in at least five KC MO churches (St. Catherine’s, Guardian Angel, Holy Cross, St. Louis and the twice at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception) and in at least nine smaller towns (Sugar Creek, Conway, Savannah, Hamilton, Independence, Buckner, East Independence, St. Joseph and Parkville)." He was suspended when church officials deemed that some of the allegations against him were credible.
SNAP learned the news late yesterday from McGlynn’s lawyer, James R. Wyrsch ([email protected]).
Unlike most child molesting clerics, McGlynn sexually assaulted both girls and boys.
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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