SNAP blasts Albany bishop & praises DAs
Twice in the last decade, 14 prosecutors have pressured Albany’s Catholic bishop to act more responsibly in child sex abuse cases. It’s disturbing that even now, a veteran church official who has repeatedly pledged to “reform” must be prodded to do what’s right for children’s safety. This should be very alarming to Albany area citizens and Catholics.
It’s inexcusable that Hubbard apparently insists on having his lawyers investigate child sex abuse reports BEFORE alerting police. It’s also inexcusable that Hubbard’s staff grills those who report child sex crimes, insist that they turn over their own medical records, and sign waivers. There’s only one explanation for this: Hubbard’s concern is not for the safety of kids. It’s for the protection of Hubbard and his colleagues.
It’s important to realize that Hubbard
--kept the agreement secret,
-- delayed signing it,
--approved it only after reporters started asking questions about it, and
--deceptively pretended it was a “cooperative effort” when it wasn’t.
We commend these prosecutors for exposing these intimidating and self-serving practices by Albany Catholic officials. And we call on Hubbard to explain and apologize for his deceptive and manipulative actions.
Finally, we hope this revelation will prod every person who saw, suspected or suffered clergy sex crimes and cover ups in the Albany area to find the courage and strength to speak up, call police, expose wrongdoing, protect kids and start healing. When victims stay silent, nothing changes. But when victims find the courage to take action, there's at least a chance for prevention, healing and justice – especially when they seek independent sources of support and avoid contacting Catholic officials.
Read the story here: http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Clergy-abuse-reporting-under-fire-from-district-3380015.php
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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Mike Ference.