Watch Papal candidates deeds, not words
Watch out for papal candidates to start posturing on abuse. On the eve of the last conclave, then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger made one brief mention, in a highly publicized talk, of “filth” in the church.
To us, it smacked of posturing. Here’s a guy with more knowledge about clergy sex crimes and cover ups than any other Catholic official on the planet. Here’s a guy with more power over clergy sex crimes and cover ups than any other Catholic official on the planet save one – his boss, the pope.
But for decades, at best, he does little. And at worst, he’s part of the cover up.
But as a papal election looms, he purports to show – via one short, vague phrase – that he cares about the crisis.
Sure enough, Cardinal Ratzinger’s strategy worked. Within days, he became Pope Benedict.
That lesson cannot have been lost on other papal hopefuls. In the days ahead, we predict some of them will make similar public remarks to reassure their colleagues that they are media savvy enough to realize they must address – at least verbally – the church’s greatest crisis.
As always, we’d urge everyone to watch their deeds, not their words. Ask yourself “what has this prelate DONE – not said – about clergy sex crimes and cover ups?” That’s the only criteria that matters.
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 1 comment