Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests

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Robert Morris’ Alleged Victim Urges Texas Lawmakers to Pass Law Nullifying NDAs for Child Sex Abuse

March 20, 2025

By Josh Shepherd March 19, 2025 6:34 pm CDT On Mar. 19, 2025, Cindy Clemishire testified at the Texas House Committee on Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence at the State Capitol in Austin, Texas. (TRR Graphic / Photo of Capitol: Wally Gobetz / Video screengrab) The woman, whose report of abuse by Gateway Church Founder Robert Morris led to his arrest on child sex charges, today urged Texas lawmakers to approve a bill nullifying nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) for child sex abuse. Speaking through tears, Cindy Clemishire, 55, recounted that for decades, Morris made her feel like she had done something wrong. Meanwhile, Morris became the pastor of one of the biggest megachurches in the country.

Victim of the 1st US Catholic priest to be exposed nationally for child sexual abuse has died; SNAP reacts

March 15, 2025

For Immediate Release: March 14, 2025 A man who was sexually abused as a child by the first Catholic priest to attract national media attention was beaten to death earlier this month. Our hearts ache for his family and loved ones in the wake of this tragic loss. We have only heard Scott Anthony Gastal's public story, but those who knew Scott personally realize that he was more than the worst thing that happened to him, and we hope that they will share that side of Scott in the coming days. SNAP Louisiana leader, Letitia Peyton, called Scott’s murder was “a sad end to a life that was riddled with early childhood trauma.” But Letitia also credited Scott with “preventing so many other children from suffering the horrific abuse that he suffered,” and hailed him as “a truly brave little boy.” Scott was repeatedly violated by Fr. Gilbert Gauthe. The priest was convicted in 1985 of abusing as many as 39 young children between 1972 and 1983. He spent 10 years in prison for those crimes. In 1997 he was convicted of abusing a 3 year old boy in Texas, where he now lives, and was sentenced to 7 months probation. In 1986, at age 11, Scott courageously testified in open court that the priest had abused him so badly that he had to be hospitalized. Scott’s family ultimately won $1 million from the Diocese of Lafayette. Sadly, the award did not end Scott’s suffering, which can be directly blamed on the Catholic officials who ignored, concealed, and enabled Fr. Gauthe’s horrific crimes.

Former Texas megachurch pastor indicted on 5 counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child; SNAP is grateful for the victim’s persistence

March 13, 2025

For immediate release: March 13, 2025 Robert Morris, founding pastor of a megachurch in Southlake, Texas, has been indicted on five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child yesterday. The indictment stems from accusations of child sexual abuse from the 1980s. Pastor Morris resigned from Gateway Church after the allegations became public last year. SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, is grateful for the persistence of the victim, Cindy Clemishire. We believe that her courageous actions will help to protect today’s children. This indictment shows that no one is beyond the law, not even a powerful, wealthy church leader.

SNAP leaders travel to Rome to prepare survivors for future papal conclave

March 12, 2025

Rome, Italy - The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) announces that key members of its leadership team are currently in Rome launching a rigorous review of cardinals considered contenders for the papacy. While in Rome, SNAP officials, alongside international coalition partners, researchers, and other experts, will focus on each candidate’s record in handling clergy sexual abuse cases—both in their home countries and within the Vatican hierarchy.

MEDIA ADVISORY: SNAP Press event in Rome on Tuesday March 25

March 24, 2025

(Rome, Italy) - The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) will hold a press conference in Rome on Tuesday, March 25th at 11:00am to release a letter from clergy abuse survivors to Pope Francis. The letter conveys survivors’ urgent appeals to the pope in light of his declining health and the looming transition in church leadership. At the same time, SNAP will announce the first results of its new Conclave Watch initiative—a global vetting process examining the records of potential papal candidates on clergy sexual abuse and their commitment to zero tolerance. As part of the Conclave Watch initiative, survivors will present several complaints made under the pope’s Vos estis lux mundi decree against prominent cardinals in positions of oversight and leadership of the church’s management of clergy sexual abuse.

Clergy abuse survivors to hold press conference Tuesday to deliver survivors’ message to pope and announce vetting of future papal candidates

March 21, 2025

The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) will hold a press conference in Rome on Tuesday, March 25th at 11:00am to release a letter from clergy abuse survivors to be delivered this weekend to Pope Francis. The letter conveys survivors’ urgent appeals to the pope in light of his declining health and the looming transition in church leadership.

Victims blast Peoria bishop on abuse

March 17, 2025

Victims blast Peoria bishop on abuse In new video, man who sued speaks up for first time His predator priest still lives in IL but diocese won’t say where Advocate challenges Tylka to “help put abusive cleric behind bars” SNAP: “Offering prayers won’t cut it. Bishop must act to safeguard kids” Roughly 50 Peoria area priests are now publicly accused child molesters WHAT Holding signs and childhood photos at a sidewalk news conference, clergy sex abuse victims will try to hand deliver a letter to Peoria’s Catholic bishop --blasting him for ‘reckless inaction’ in response to a lawsuit last week against a still-living but defrocked predator priest, --urging him to protect kids by ‘personally visiting each place the abuser worked and beg victims, witnesses and whistleblowers to call the police,’ and --challenging local church employees - ‘no matter what the bishop does or doesn’t do’ - to ‘aggressively warn parents and the public about this predator.’ Also, in an impassioned new video, the victim who sued the cleric last week will discuss his shame, suicidal feelings, hopefulness and explain why he’s coming forward and taking action now. WHENMonday, March 17 at 1:30 p.m. WHEREOn the sidewalk outside the Peoria Catholic Diocese headquarters (a.k.a chancery office or Spalding Center), 492 NE. Madison Ave. in Peoria WHO Two-four clergy sex abuse victims including a Missouri man (also abused as a child by a priest) who is the former national director of a support group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAPnetwork.org)

Take Action and Stop Child Sexual Abuse

If you see child sexual abuse, or have a reasonable suspicion of sexual abuse or your child has been sexually abused, call 911 or your local police immediately.

If you suspect abuse, call the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or visit the Child Help Hotline. Trained crisis operators staff the lines 24/7 to answer your questions. If necessary, they will show you how to report in your local area.

Child pornography is a federal crime. If you see or suspect images that may be child pornography, report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children CyberTip Line.

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