SNAP Stands With Seminarians Speaking Out
We applaud these Catholic seminarians who are increasingly speaking out about clergy sexual abuse and cover ups. Thanks to them, more change will be made.
Over the years, our group has also heard from more current and former seminarians and seminary staff about clergy sexual abuse, misdeeds and cover ups. Sadly, many are in fear of losing their jobs, status or careers if they 'blow the whistle.' Still, we encourage everyone - inside and outside the church - to find the courage to come forward and share what they know.
If deeply wounded victims of clergy sexual violence can find their voices, so too can betrayed seminarians and other church staff. Collectively, we are making both the church and our society safer for all. But it takes continued courage.
CONTACT: Zach Hiner, Executive Director ([email protected], 517-974-9009)
(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)
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A high ranking Jesuit resigned due to alleged sexual overtures to Jesuit seminarian John Bollard
Bollard’s case was a 60 Minutes segment.
Background:
Seattle University [a Jesuit university] official quits amid harassment allegations
SEATTLE (WA)
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
October 13, 2006
By Phuong Cat Le and Vanessa Ho
P-I reporters
Seattle University vice president who oversees campus ministry has resigned from his post amid allegations that he had sexually harassed a young seminary student a decade ago.
The Rev. Tony Harris, the university’s second-highest ranking Jesuit, resigned Thursday in an e-mail sent to faculty staff and students.
Last Friday, the P-I reported that Seattle University hired Harris in 2001 after he had settled a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by John Bollard.