MN- Catholic deposition blocked; SNAP responds
For immediate release: Tuesday, Feb. 4
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 862 7688 home, 314 503 0003 cell, [email protected])
A Minnesota judge blocked the release of a deposition and transcript of an accused predator priest named Fr. Gilbert Allen Tarlton (a.k.a Allen Tarlton or Allen Berry).
http://kstp.com/article/stories/S3310128.shtml?cat=12196
We are disappointed by this action. Catholic officials pledge “openness” but continue to practice secrecy. Transparency, not secrecy, protects kids.
For decades, Catholic officials have kept clergy sex abuse and cover up cases hidden. We've seen and felt the devastating results of this self-serving pattern. If kids are to be protected, this secrecy must end.
http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_25051456/st-johns-abbey-moves-stop-release-monks-deposition
Our hearts go out to the victims of sexual abuse in Minnesota. We know how difficult and brave it is to come forward and report abuse. We hope no other victims or witnesses will be deterred by this action. And we hope that those courageous individuals who were assaulted by St. Cloud area clerics and are taking legal action will not be discouraged.
In fact, in some cases, rulings like this prod others who were hurt and who are suffering in silence, shame and self-blame to step forward too. We hope that will be the outcome here. And we hope a higher court will reverse this judge's ruling so that more of the truth about this horror can be revealed.
Contact - David Clohessy (314-566-9790 cell, [email protected]), Barbara Dorris (314-862-7688 home, 314-503-0003 cell, [email protected]), Bob Schwiderski of Wayzata (952-471-3422, [email protected]), Frank Meuers of Plymouth (952-334-5180,[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