SNAP Disappointed as Houston Priest Escapes Criminal Charges
A priest who was removed from his parish in 2019 following allegations of inappropriate behavior with another adult was in court this week in Houston, but a grand jury elected not to proceed with the criminal case against him. Our hearts ache for the victim who has been out and public about the abuse he suffered and we hope that he is getting the support and help that he needs.
Fr. Alfonso Delgado was removed from Prince of Peace in Houston in 2019 after he was alleged to have behaved inappropriately with another adult and was removed from his position pending an investigation. Ultimately, on July 14 a grand jury decided that there were no criminal actions that could be charged. While we recognize the decision there was no criminal behavior in this case, we firmly stand behind the victim – who has been in close contact with our volunteers in Houston – and believe that he was harmed by this man. Even though his behavior could not be charged criminally, we know that the victim in this case has suffered and hope that he will have another opportunity to share his story.
“The victim suffers lonely and quietly holding his scars of that terrible night close to his heart. It is decisions such as this one that make victims afraid to come forward when they are sexually abused, especially adult males,” said Eduardo Lopez de Cases, leader of SNAP Houston. “We will continue their support for this victim and hopes that other doors will open and justice will be served. “
CONTACT: Eduardo Lopez de Casas, SNAP Houston and member of the Board of Directors ( [email protected], 832 641 6319)
(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)
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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