PA - SNAP's letter to Bishop Bartchak from Altoona-Johnstown

October 08, 2012

Below is a letter sent today by fax and email to Bishop Matt Bartchak of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown:

Survivors Network of those Abused By Priests

Chicago, Illinois 60622-5474

10/8/12

Dear Bishop Bartchak:

We and belong to a support group called SNAP (the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests). Our mission is to heal the wounded and protect the vulnerable.

We are calling on you to take a simple, inexpensive, common sense and long overdue step toward these goals: post the names of all credibly accused priests within his diocese on your website, in you diocesan newspaper, and in parish bulletins.

This is a minimal step that helps parents, parishioners and the public know who and where these predators are, so that kids can be kept away from them.

Roughly 30 US bishops have done this (almost always after considerable public pressure.) None, as best we can tell, has regretted it. You’ve had ample time to do so without external prodding. Please use your considerable resources and ‘bully pulpit,’ Bishop, to at least let parents, public and parishioners know who and were these child molesting clerics are and were, so that the vulnerable may be safeguarded and the suffering may be validated.

In addition, we also beg you to

-- seek out others who may have seen or suspected child sex crimes by a recently accused priest, Fr. George Koharchik,

-- personally visit each parish there Fr. Koharchik worked, begging other victims to come forward, get help, and call police.

Last month, law enforcement officials announced they’re investigating this priest. You, your staff and your flock have both a moral and civic duty to help them. Your actions – or inaction – could lead to a potentially dangerous sex offender walking free on a technicality or getting a short sentence and later hurting others. Please take clear public steps to help police and prosecutors do their jobs effectively in this case.

As you know, Fr. Koharchik, was accused of abusing children in the late 1970’s, and was temporarily removed from ministry in August when the accusations were made. More of his victims have already come forward, so it is likely that there are still others who are afraid to speak up. Your firm but gentle prodding may make a difference, Bishop. We believe you have an obligation to try and find and help find these people, so they can heal and perhaps contribute to the criminal investigation into Fr. Koharchik’s alleged crimes.

We in SNAP repeatedly urges those who have seen, suspected and suffered clergy sex crimes to find the courage to call police, expose wrongdoing, protect others and start healing. As Bishop, we urge you to do the same, especially now, and especially regarding Fr. Koharchik.

We look forward to hearing from you.

David Clohessy, Executive Director, SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests)

(314 566 9790), [email protected]

Barbara Dorris, Outreach Director, SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests)

(314 503 0003, [email protected])

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Showing 3 comments

Imouna de Kech posted about this on Facebook 2015-11-29 15:24:04 -0600
PA - SNAP's letter to Bishop Bartchak from Altoona-Johnstown
Michael Ference commented 2012-10-08 20:43:46 -0500
God ain’t done with Pennsylvania, Just yet.
Robert Hartley commented 2012-10-08 16:13:43 -0500
“We look forward to hearing from you.” Well, good luck with that!

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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

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