Recent Report on abuse In Poland's Catholic Church is appalling, SNAP calls for secular action
A report issued today by the Catholic Church in Poland says that 292 clergymen sexually abused 368 boys and girls between 2018-2020. We urge secular authorities to investigate every diocese in the country, as it appears that the Church's appalling record on abuse continues unabated.
We also call on Vatican officials to do more than just punish a few Polish Bishops and Archbishops. The ongoing investigation of negligence by the now-retired Cardinal Dziwisz must be amplified and expedited. The first report on abuse cases from Poland listed 625 minors who suffered sexual abuse at the hands of 382 clergies. 42 previously named perpetrators re-appear in this current report. We hope that this does not mean that those dangerous men remained in ministry.
We believe this report must send a disheartening message to a country where faith in and devotion to the Catholic Church is so widespread. We encourage the believers in Poland to demand that external investigations begin immediately. It seems clear that the Church has done too little and that children are still in grave danger in Catholic communities in Poland.
Despite the removal of Catholic officials, scathing documentaries, and these startling statistics, what needs to be done has not yet been accomplished, and that is a secular investigation. No apologies are necessary. We want accountability, responsibility, and protection for the most vulnerable, Polish children.
CONTACT: Michael McDonnell, SNAP Communications Manager ([email protected], 267.261.0578), Zach Hiner, SNAP Executive Director ([email protected], 517.974.9009)
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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