Msgr. Harrison Releases Statement, SNAP Responds

Msgr. Craig Harrison has now joined his attorney Kyle Humphrey in using mean-spirited rhetoric against his accusers. Sadly, his words will intimidate all victims, witnesses and whistle blowers in the Diocese of Fresno, not just those who have made allegations against him. 

While we have no firsthand knowledge about this case, we know from studies that false allegations of sexual abuse are extremely rare. We commend Brother Justin Gilligan, OSB, known in Bakersfield as Ryan Dixon, for coming forward and sharing what he knows. We hope that this brave monk is getting a lot of support and thanks for his courage. 

It is particularly distressing that Msgr. Harrison has chosen to dwell on Brother Justin's "difficult background and broken relationships," as well as an alleged propensity to "drink excessively." However, as research into the effects of child sex abuse has clearly shown and as SNAP points out in its guidelines on "What to do when your priest is accused of abuse,” victims often have troubled pasts. These behaviors can in fact support their credibility. When someone has been hurt, there are almost always clears signs of that harm.

Up to this point Msgr. Harrison, like Bill Cosby and Harvey Weinstein, has used his lawyer mouthpiece to spread fear and intimidation in the Diocese. However, a person can defend himself without attacking others. That is what Christ would do. Unfortunately, that is the exact opposite of what Msgr. Harrison is doing.

We call on Bishop Joseph Vincent Brennan to promptly denounce and discipline Msgr. Harrison for his unnecessary verbal attacks. If the monsignor were publicly advocating abortion or insulting immigrants, the Bishop would not hesitate to punish him. If Bishop Brennan wants to convince survivors that he cares about their suffering and the safety of today's children, he must act immediately. 

CONTACT: Dan McNevin, SNAP Board Member ([email protected], 415-341-6417), Joey Piscitelli, SNAP Northern California ([email protected], 925-262-3699) Melanie Sakoda, SNAP Survivor Support Coordinator, ([email protected], 925-708-6175), Esther Hatfield Miller, SNAP Los Angeles (562-673-9442, [email protected]), Zach Hiner, SNAP Executive Director ([email protected], 517-974-9009)

(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)


Showing 1 comment

  • Carolina Tamayo
    commented 2019-05-24 17:32:31 -0500
    Msgr Harrison threw Br. Justin under the bus. His statement made him look much worse. Msgr did you come up with that statement or was that your lawyer? Very bad idea to bash someone like that especially since you are a man of the cloth! You showed your unclassy behavior clearly! Are you a politician in disguise? Perhaps that should be your new field, I think you’ll fit in well.

SNAP Network is a GuideStar Gold Participant