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The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests

SNAP Press Release
Giving Voice to Victims

 

For Immediate Release:
June 11, 2007

For More Information:
Christa Brown, SNAP Baptist Coordinator, 512-217-1730, [email protected]
David Clohessy, SNAP National Director, 314-566-9790, [email protected]
Barbara Garcia-Boehland, SNAP-San Antonio, 210-725-8329, [email protected]

Sex abuse victims tell Baptists "Transform your Churches" into safe sanctuaries

SNAP urges delegates to support motion for database of predator clergy

Support group urges massive education effort on how church-goers should react to clergy abuse charges

It's crucial, they say, to create "a warm climate" so those who are molested will come forward

WHAT:
After a sidewalk news conference, clergy sex abuse victims will leaflet delegates ("messengers") to the Southern Baptist Convention, urging them to transform their churches into safe sanctuaries by

-- supporting a motion for the creation of a database of convicted, confessed and credibly accused clergy sex abusers;

-- implementing a massive education effort to teach congregations how to appropriately react to clergy abuse charges;

-- reaching out to abuse victims and encouraging them to speak up and get independent help.

WHEN:
Tuesday, June 12, from 8:15 am - 10:15 am

WHERE:
On the sidewalk outside the northwest corner of the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center at Market & Alamo in downtown San Antonio, TX

WHO:
Several clergy sex abuse victims, including a St. Louis MO man who heads SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests) and an Austin TX woman who heads StopBaptistPredators.org

VISUALS:
The group will hold childhood photos and posters.

WHY:
Members of SNAP suspect that hundreds of child-molesting clergy may remain active in Southern Baptist churches and that countless abuse victims remain mired in silence, shame and self-blame. SNAP seeks reform within the denomination so that it may rid its ranks of clergy predators and so that abuse victims will be supported when they speak up.

Specifically, SNAP urges Southern Baptist delegates (‘messengers’) to support a motion that is being presented for the creation of a database of convicted, confessed and credibly accused abusive clergy.

Link to the motion

SNAP urges anyone who has been abused by clergy to reach out and get help. www.SNAPnetwork.org

 


Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests
www.snapnetwork.org