UK - SNAP blasts UK vicar’s insensitive comments
We are disappointed that Rev. Dr. John Cameron would make such ignorant and hurtful claims about the alleged victims of Jimmy Savile. To publicly proclaim that the multitudes of victims making allegations against Savile are only doing so for a “cash-grab” is both obtuse and callous.
We urge Cameron's colleagues or supervisors and supporters to censure or demote or discipline him for his insensitive comments and to stand in solidarity with the victims who are courageously coming forward. It is always difficult for abuse victims to speak up, especially when their alleged abuser is a man who held massive popularity and sway. Comments like Rev. Cameron’s only make it more difficult for future victims to expose predators and protect others.
Wonder why and how thousands of child sex crimes and cover ups have happened, and are happening, in churches worldwide? In part, it's because of comments by men like Cameron and their timid supervisors who refuse to punish them for such insensitive comments.
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
Showing 1 comment
As a brash young priest,
Well, I said to myself,
“Now, brash young priest,
Don’t get any ideas.”
Well, I stuck to that,
And I haven’t had one in years.
I play it the bishopâs way;
Wherever he puts me
There Iâll stay.
But what is your point of view?
I have no point of view.
Supposing the bishop thinks . . .
I think so too.
Now, what would you say . . .?
I wouldn’t say.
Your face is a clerical face.
It smiles at bishops
Then goes back in place.
The churchâs decor?
Oh, it suits me fine.
The bishopâs letterhead?
A valentine.
Anything you’re against?
Unemployment.
When they want brilliant thinking
From priests like me,
That is no concern of mine.
Suppose a priest of genius
Makes suggestions?
Watch that genius get suggested to resign.
So you play it the diocesan way?
All diocesan policy is by me OK.
I’ll never rise up to the top.
But there’s one thing clear:
Whoever the diocese fires,
I will still be here.
Oh, you certainly found a home!
It’s cozy.
Your brain is a clerical brain.
The seminary washed it,
Now I can’t complain.
Hey, the diocesan newspaper!
Oh, what style, what punch!
The churchâs bulletin!
Ev’ry week the same grunch:
Do you have any hobbies?
I’ve a hobby; I play golf with Bishop Bratt
Bishop Bratt! And do you play it nicely?
Play it nicely . . . still, he beats me
In every game, like that!
Why?
’Cause I play it the diocesan way.
The bishopâs policy is by me OK.
Oh, how can you get anywhere?
Junior, have no fear;
Whoever the diocese fires,
I will still be here.
You will still be here.
Year after year after fiscal,
Never take a risk-al year!