Victims blast new St. Louis archbishop
Victims blast new St. L archbishop
Just last week, he ousted 3 alleged predators
But in a ‘shocking move,’ he refuses to name them
WHAT
Holding signs and childhood photos at a sidewalk news conference, clergy sex abuse victims and their supporters will
--harshly criticize St. Louis’ new archbishop for suspending three accused predator priests last week but refusing, in violation of US Catholic church policy, to reveal their names,
--disclose more about his track record on abuse and cover up,
--beg St. Louis Catholics to challenge him on his secrecy and
--urge the pope to reverse his decision to promote the new archbishop.
WHEN
TODAY, Wednesday, June 10 at 11:30 a.m.
WHERE
Outside the ‘new’ cathedral on Lindell near Taylor in St. Louis’ Central West End
WHO
Two-three members of a support group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAPnetwork.org)
WHY
Pope Francis has tapped Springfield MA Bishop Mitchell Rozanski to be the new head of the St. Louis archdiocese. At least half a dozen times during his tenure in Massachusetts, SNAP has found fault with his handling of abuse and cover up.
Earlier, former SNAP executive director David Clohessy issued this statement:
“This is a dramatic step backwards in terms of public safety. Rozanski is a terrible choice. Just last week, he suspended three accused predator priests but refused to reveal their names, a terribly irresponsible move that leaves children at risk.”
“In light of this, we hope Pope Francis reverses himself and punishes Rozanski. And we hope every single St. Louis Catholic who speaks to Rozanski will ask him 'Why such reckless secrecy?" and tells him "The last three St. Louis archbishops named suspected predators when they suspended them. How can you go backwards?"
CONTACT
David Clohessy 314 566 9790, [email protected]
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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