Vos Estis expires next year; SNAP urges renewal but with major reform

May 12, 2021

In June of 2019, the Vatican gave Archbishops the power to investigate as necessary in their local regions under the norms of the papal motu propio letter Vos Estis Lux Mundi. The directive is to hold Catholic prelates accountable if they abuse or if they fail to protect children or vulnerable adults from clerical predators. We believe that Vos Estis is not effective as is and requires a complete overhaul.

The process by which prelates are investigated and why needs to be completely transparent. Who is conducting the investigation is just as important as knowing what is uncovered. There have been systemic problems within the Catholic Church for decades, and the adage, 'nothing changes if nothing changes,’ rings loud as a church bell.

SNAP, survivors, and advocates worldwide have asked that laypersons be involved in investigations. Inviting an arsonist to investigate the fire he started will never produce the desired evidence and accountability. This is an example of what occurred in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Shortly after his 2017 appointment, Bishop Stephen Biegler re-opened an investigation into an allegation of abuse against one of his predecessors, Joseph Hart. This investigation was led by a layperson, a lawyer experienced in abuse cases. The result found the claims ‘credible and substantiated.' Bishop Biegler forwarded the findings to Rome, specifically the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith, and they found that the allegations brought forth could not be proven.

The norms of Vos Etis allow prelates to ask lay experts to be included in investigations against bishops, but it is not a mandate. Avoiding the involvement of laypersons is an attempt for the hierarchy to continue to police themselves. Survivors’ mistrust of the Catholic Church is renewed on an almost daily basis. How can we possibly trust a process that does not include lay personnel? We call on Catholic officials to insist that Pope Francis revise this soon-to-expire order and change it to mandate lay involvement at all steps in these investigations.

CONTACT: Mike McDonnell, SNAP Communications Manager (267-261-0578, [email protected]), Zach Hiner, SNAP Executive Director (517-974-9009, [email protected])

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Zach Hiner published this page in Official SNAP Media Statements 2021-05-12 12:00:21 -0500

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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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