Vatican Steps Into US Bankruptcies, SNAP Calls for More Transparency
Canon law is on the side of the Vatican in this case and we hope that as church officials in Rome exercise their power to oversee and approve bankruptcy decisions, that they will include additional requirements that would increase transparency, safety, and efforts to prevent future cases of sexual abuse.
For example, the USSCB and the Congregation of Clergy in the Vatican could require that each diocese seeking bankruptcy approval must agree to release their files related to clergy abuse to police, parishioners, and the public. This requirement would fall in line with the Pope’s decision to abolish the pontifical secret in cases of clergy sexual abuse and would demonstrate to those in the pews that church leadership at the highest level is backing up their words with action, forcing change that will create safer, more informed communities.
However, the opposite message would be sent if the Vatican decides to exercise this power without any additional requirements that would prevent church officials from hiding documents related to clergy abuse under the seal of bankruptcy. For far too long, bankruptcy court has provided a convenient shield to dioceses that are facing abuse lawsuits. By requiring that these documents be made public, the Vatican can help reverse this trend and promote transparency over secrecy. We hope that this requirement will be demanded by the Congregation of Clergy immediately.
CONTACT: Dan McNevin, SNAP Treasurer ([email protected], 415-341-6417), Zach Hiner, SNAP 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)
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