Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller release findings on a statewide investigation into clergy sex abuse.
In November 2018, and with urgency, SNAP President Tim Lennon, SNAP Leaders, and advocates called on Iowa's Attorney General Tom Miller to take steps in getting to the bottom of clergy abuse in Iowa. We are grateful that the AG answered our call but, more importantly, opened up the hotline so survivors' voices could be heard. We hope that this example is followed by the attorneys general in the remaining states that have yet to open an investigation.
In a report issued yesterday, Miller reported that 50 of the complaints received by his office were allegations of sexual impropriety by Catholic Clergy, non-clergy or spiritual leaders. This report included 17 victims who have never previously come forward to report abuse. This number is substantial, and we honor the courage and strength of the victims for coming forward. As an organization, we pride ourselves on the most powerful tool, the light of the truth. This report speaks volumes to the power in numbers, the actions of many, to work towards justice that has long been denied. We are happy to play a part in urging statewide investigations nationally and look forward to supporting victims and advocates in these states as we move forward.
It is no surprise that the findings of the Iowa Attorney General Office found overwhelming incidents of abuse and coverup that have decades of history. It is also less shocking to find out that 45 of the 50 complaints received by this office were against Catholic Clergy or others involved in the Catholic Church. None of these reports fell within the criminal statute to warrant charges. Three of the allegations reported involve currently active priests. We want to know where these priests are assigned and want to know previous assignment histories, and the Dioceses must release this information at once.
Our suggestion to the Iowa Catholic Conference is to take immediate action on predatory priests, first by sharing a complete look at clergy abuse in Iowa with parents and parish communities. Tell the truth on how this all happened, stop protecting the Church's reputation, start saving children, and support victims in their path towards justice. But most importantly, practice what is preached from your pulpit.
CONTACT: Michael McDonnell, Communication Manager (267-261-0578, [email protected] Zach Hiner, SNAP Executive Director (517-974-9009, [email protected]),
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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