SNAP responds to new charges vs. bishop
- SNAP responds to new charges vs. bishop
- They’re disappointed only Finn is targeted
- “Problem is bigger than one person,” they say
- And deal means no questioning of bishop in court
- Abuse victims to Jackson Co prosecutor: “No deals!”
WHAT:
Holding signs and childhood photos at a hastily-called sidewalk news conference, clergy sex abuse victims and their supporters will
--express strong disappointment at the new criminal charges and deal involving KC’s embattled Catholic bishop,
--urge the Jackson County prosecutor to make no special arrangements with him and instead prosecute him vigorously,
--beg other victims, witnesses and whistleblowers to keep coming forward and calling police, and
--insist that the bishop spend some time behind bars if he’s convicted or pleads guilty.
WHEN:
TODAY, Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 3 PM
WHERE:
Outside the chancery (diocesan headquarters) at 20 West Ninth Street, Kansas City, MO
WHO:
Three clergy sex abuse victims who belong to a support group called SNAP, the Survivors network of those Abused by Priests. Including a KC man who was abused by a priest who became a bishop and a Saint Louis woman who is the group’s long time outreach director
WHY:
While this could be considered by some to be a good start, we’re disappointed. We believe others on the church payroll also concealed crimes, misled parishioners and endangered kids. They too should face consequences.
No one should get complacent now. It’s still important for every single person who knows anything about clergy sex crimes and cover ups in Kansas City to call police and prosecutors, especiall in Jackson County.
We are grateful to every person who shared information with the grand jury. At the same time, however, we believe there are still dozens of other current and former church employees who could and should step forward with their information about clergy sex crimes and cover ups.
CONTACT:
Barbara Dorris 314 503 0003 cell, [email protected], David Clohessy 314 566 9790, [email protected], Mike Hunter 913 634 6490
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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