Survivors of clergy abuse push for action as Texas bishops release names
Survivors of clergy abuse push for action as Texas bishops release names
Releasing lists is not enough, independent investigations must follow
“Allow for independent, properly-vetted and trained experts in law enforcement to review all the files,” they say
WHAT:
At a sidewalk news conference, clergy sex abuse survivors and advocates will
- Respond to the list of names of accused clerics released by the Archdiocese of Galveston / Houston
- Call on prosecuting attorneys and the Texas attorney general to launch an independent investigation into clergy sex abuse crimes and cover-ups, and
- Urge survivors to come forward to law enforcement or support groups for help
WHEN:
Thursday, January 31 at 3:00 PM (Houston) and 5:00 (Dallas)
WHERE:
Outside locations in Dallas (Jack Evans Police Headquarters) and Houston (the Co-Cathedral of Sacred Heart)
WHO:
Several members of the Houston, Texas chapter of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, the nation’s oldest and largest support and advocacy group for victims of clergy sexual abuse, including the longtime Houston, TX area volunteer leader.
WHY:
On January 31, bishops from each of the dioceses in Texas have pledged to release lists of names of clerics credibly accused of abuse. SNAP believes that any and all transparency is to be applauded but are concerned that these lists might not be as transparent as promised.
As has recently been demonstrated in places like Buffalo, Pennsylvania and Illinois, catholic dioceses have not consistently been forthright in disclosing full lists of credibly accused priests, nor providing information about the church officials who covered-up their crimes. The only way to ensure that the bishops here in Texas are truly sincere about rebuilding their sacred trust is to allow for independent, properly-vetted and trained experts in law enforcement to review all files and allegations related to clergy sexual abuse.
SNAP applauds the release of names as a first step and believes that, if church officials in Texas are confident in the completeness of their lists, these officials should encourage an independent investigation from Attorney General Ken Paxton. They are also urging anyone who has seen, suspected, or suffered abuse in Texas to contact local law enforcement officials to make a report and to contact groups like SNAP for support.
CONTACT: Lisa Kendzior ([email protected], 817-773-5907), Paul Petersen ([email protected], 972-569-0995), Michael Norris ([email protected], 713-855-9178), Zach Hiner ([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)
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
Showing 3 comments
NO MENTION OF VALUING SURVIVORS??
HOW ABOUT ADDING THIS STATEMENT
In addition Employees and Clerics must recognize that any information which causes or has the potential to value the reputation of the Archdiocese over the safety of children should be avoided. Sensitivity to survivors of clergy abuse is morally praiseworthy while allowing ‘credible’ accusations to be silenced by remaining silent is morally repugnant.