News Story of the Day
The Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement allowed the Catholic Church to escape justice
It failed residential school survivors, and it failed the many Catholics of goodwill who expected better of their spiritual leaders
Thousands of paedophiles active in French Catholic Church since 1950, commission finds
France 24 - October 3, 2021
Some 3,000 paedophiles have operated inside the French Catholic Church since 1950, the head of an independent commission investigating the scandal told AFP, days ahead of the release of its report.
The commission’s report is due to be released on Tuesday after two and a half years of research based on church, court and police archives, as well as interviews with witnesses.
Sauve, senior French civil servant, said the report, which runs to 2,500 pages, had attempted to quantify both the number of offenders and the number of victims.
Inside the Church That Preaches ‘Wives Need to Be Led with a Firm Hand’
Evangelical pastor Douglas Wilson wrote that men “conquer” and women “surrender.” Christ Church survivors are starting to speak out.
Topeka Catholic priest suspended after allegation of sexual abuse of a minor, which he denies
"Father Pilcher denies the allegation and is cooperating fully," the archdiocese said in a news release. "He will remain on leave until the investigation is concluded and the archdiocesan Independent Review Board has reviewed the case and made a recommendation to Archbishop Joseph Naumann regarding the matter."
Years into attorney general investigation of Maryland’s Catholic Church, abuse survivors wonder where it stands
The Baltimore Sun - by Alison Knezevich
September 24, 2021
Vatican verdict looms for Knoxville bishop
News: Vos estis lux mundi
| 16 hr ago |
A report on Knoxville’s Bishop Rick Stika is under review at the Vatican’s Congregation for Bishops, months after multiple allegations of administrative and personal misconduct triggered an investigation into Stika’s leadership.
Vatican sources tell The Pillar that a Vatican-ordered investigation was conducted over the summer, and that a decision is expected soon on whether Stika will remain in ministry as diocesan bishop.
Louisville priest convicted of sex abuse to be released; victim says kids aren’t safe
Michael Norris’ life was altered by sexual abuse, dealing with the trauma for nearly 50 years.
In just days, Norris’ abuser is soon to be set free.
San Antonio SNAP Leader Letter to the Editor - San Antonio Express News
Abusers to account
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott: Since you say it is time to “make sure we eliminate all rapists from the streets of Texas,” then let us get on with this removal of all sexual predator bishops, priests, nuns, pastors, health care providers, teachers, janitors, mental health professionals, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, grandfathers, grandmothers, aunts, and uncles.
However, in most cases of sexual abuse by those whom we trust, it takes decades to report, allowing most rapists to stay not on the streets but in our parishes and homes, and in all walks of our lives.
Clearly, your plan must include the elimination of the statute of limitations, or at least a look-back window, so that all abusers and the institutions who cover for them are held accountable in the court system.
Surely, this must be a part of your plan?
Patti Koo, chapter leader,
San Antonio-New Braunfels Survivors Network of those
Abused by Priests
(Originally found here - https://www.expressnews.com/opinion/letters-editor/article/Your-turn-Sept-19-16467499.php)
Abusers to account
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott: Since you say it is time to “make sure we eliminate all rapists from the streets of Texas,” then let us get on with this removal of all sexual predator bishops, priests, nuns, pastors, health care providers, teachers, janitors, mental health professionals, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, grandfathers, grandmothers, aunts and uncles.
However, in most cases of sexual abuse by those whom we trust, it takes decades to report, allowing most rapists to stay not on the streets but in our parishes and homes, and in all walks of our lives.
Clearly, your plan must include the elimination of the statute of limitations, or at least a look-back window, so that all abusers and the institutions who cover for them are held accountable in the court system.
Surely, this must be a part of your plan?
Patti Koo, chapter leader,
San Antonio-New Braunfels Survivors Network of those
Abused by Priests
Abusers to account
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott: Since you say it is time to “make sure we eliminate all rapists from the streets of Texas,” then let us get on with this removal of all sexual predator bishops, priests, nuns, pastors, health care providers, teachers, janitors, mental health professionals, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, grandfathers, grandmothers, aunts and uncles.
However, in most cases of sexual abuse by those whom we trust, it takes decades to report, allowing most rapists to stay not on the streets but in our parishes and homes, and in all walks of our lives.
Clearly, your plan must include the elimination of the statute of limitations, or at least a look-back window, so that all abusers and the institutions who cover for them are held accountable in the court system.
Surely, this must be a part of your plan?
Patti Koo, chapter leader,
San Antonio-New Braunfels Survivors Network of those
Abused by Priests
Second woman accuses priest of sexual abuse
Obscenity charge filed against former priest, dominatrices for alleged Pearl River altar tryst
Obscenity charge filed against former priest, dominatrices for alleged Pearl River altar tryst
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