SNAP asks governor to order state investigation of church
The Louisiana chapter of SNAP has asked Gov. John Bel Edwards to direct State Police to investigate the Catholic Church.
The organization, which represents and speaks for survivors of sexual abuse by priests, believes that the recent declaration of bankruptcy by the Archdiocese is an effort to seal evidence in sex abuse cases.
In a letter, the state's SNAP president, Richard Windmann, pleads with Edwards to direct State Police to conduct "a statewide investigation of the Catholic church."
We've reached out to the Governor and to State Police to confirm their receipt of the letter, and for responses. We also have requested a response from the Archdiocese.
We'll update this story as we receive more information.
Here's the letter:
Governor Edwards,
My name is Richard Windmann, and I am the Louisiana State Leader for Survivors of those abused by Priests (SNAP).
As you know, there are hundreds, if not thousands of children that have been raped by priests, nuns, deacons, and employees of the Catholic Church in the State of Louisiana. Recently, the Archdiocese has declared bankruptcy, effectively moving over 30 child sex abuse civil cases to Federal bankruptcy court. This tactic has been used by church officials in the past as a way to seal depositions and other documents related to abuse and cover-ups fro...
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