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 (Jac​​​k 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)

 


Showing 3 comments

  • Seth Quintana
    commented 2019-01-31 10:42:57 -0600
    The following statement given to all teachers at Catholic Schools…, “Employees and clerics must recognize that anything published on a Personal Website/Social Media Account is no different from making such information available in any public forum. Any information that causes or has the potential to cause embarrassment to the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, create a risk of reputational harm to the Archdiocese or any Archdiocesan entity, or create legal exposure for the Archdiocese or any Archdiocesan entity should be avoided.”

    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.
  • Seth Quintana
    commented 2019-01-31 10:20:44 -0600
    Thank God for this initiative. I can only imagine how the survivors feel.
  • Seth Quintana
    commented 2019-01-31 10:05:37 -0600
    Thank God for this initiative. I can only imagine how the survivors feel.

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