Another KC predator priest is suspended, SNAP responds
We ache for the victim or victims of this priest. We also ache for KC Catholics who have been reeling for almost a year from a seemingly never-ending stream of revelations, accusations, lawsuits and criminal investigations into church officials.
Bishops pretend abusive priests are all 'in the past.' Obviously, this is far from true. Despite decades of promises, policies and procedures, child sex crimes and cover ups are still happening in the church. So it's crucial that those who see, suspect or suffer these crimes – or any clerical misdeeds - call police, not prelates.
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We’re troubled that, again, the public and parishioners learn about credible allegations of sexual misconduct from the media, not Bishop Finn. Top KC Catholic officials notified only some of this priests most recent flock. For days, they refused to warn the public. Who knows if they’ve called the police or not?
Finn and his top aides have promised, over and over again, to reform and to be “open.” Yet over and over again, they choose secrecy over transparency, leaving tens of thousands of citizens and Catholics in doubt.
Because of Finn’s continuing secrecy, Catholics who weren’t at mass last Sunday is left wondering ‘I wonder if this is my priest and he’s accused of child sexual abuse’
We can’t help but wonder if Finn was trying to keep this under wraps until after his court appearance tomorrow.
http://www.kansascity.com/2012/01/25/3391505/priest-placed-on-leave-in-kc-diocese.html
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