Federal Investigation expands to the Diocese of Buffalo
For immediate release, October 19 2018
Yesterday we learned about a sweeping investigation by the Department of Justice into Catholic dioceses in Pennsylvania. Today we have learned that the investigation is wider than we thought.
The news that the DOJ investigation has spread to the Diocese of Buffalo shows that this investigation is deeper and more encompassing than we had previously imagined. It is also not surprising.
In March, Bishop Malone made news by releasing a list of 42 names of priests “credibly accused” of abuse. In September, he made news again when CNN revealed that the list was incomplete and that dozens of priests had gone unreported due to their inclusion in “secret archives” kept by the Diocese. It was clear then as it is clear now that institutions cannot be relied on to police themselves. For that reason, we are glad that the Department of Justice has decided to do it for them.
Given this expansion into Buffalo, we wonder when this investigation will spread to other states where Bishops have followed the exact same playbook as Bishop Malone had. Whether in California, where the Diocese of San Jose recently released an incomplete list, or in Texas, where a sex abuse cover-up was ongoing as recently as one month ago, or in Washington D.C., where another incomplete list was released, there are many other dioceses around the country that must be investigated. Such an independent investigation is the only way to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults, the healing and support of survivors, and the confidence of citizens that the truth will carry the day.
We welcome this expansion. We hope that it expands nationwide as soon as possible.
CONTACT: Zach Hiner, Executive Director (517-974-9009, [email protected])
(SNAP, the Survivors Network, has been providing support for victims of sexual abuse in institutional settings for 30 years. We have more than 25,000 survivors and supporters in our network. Our website is SNAPnetwork.org)
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