Advocates decry diocese’s consideration of accusers’ reputations as ‘sickening’
Victim advocates say the fact that the Roman Catholic Diocese of Columbus considers an accuser’s reputation when determining the credibility of sexual-abuse allegations is “atrocious” and comes across as victim blaming.
“That’s sickening ... Who do they think they are?” asked Judy Jones, Midwest regional director for the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP). “So many victims, they’re struggling, they’re going through so many things.”
The Columbus Diocese said it included the accuser’s reputation as one of about eight factors when creating a list released Friday of 34 clergy members who had been “credibly accused” of sexually abusing children “because reputation for truthfulness is often considered in evaluating any claim.”
“No one factor is determinative,” the diocese said in a letter on its website attached to the list.
On Tuesday, the diocese added the names of two additional priests — Monsignor Robert A. Brown, who was on the Diocese of Steubenville’s list and is accused of abuse outside the Columbus diocese, and the Rev. John J. Ryan, who was accused after his death and after the list was released Friday — to the list. Both are deceased.
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