ST. LOUIS (MO)
DavidClohessy.com [St. Louis MO]
January 29, 2024
By David G. Clohessy
Why am I posting this decades-old newspaper story here and now?
First, because so much about the early history of our movement to protect kids, expose predators, deter enablers and help survivors is nowhere to be found. (Much was pre-Internet and we in SNAP had our hands full just trying to deal with our trauma and the trauma of the hundreds of others who sought our help, even back in the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s, before the scandal erupted into national awareness).
Second, because the pastor’s quote here so clearly reveals how Catholic officials felt (and feel) about their institution and this crisis: “My objection was that they were passing out literature. That was detrimental to our faith, our church and to the priesthood itself.”
And third, because though I’ve said it hundreds of times directly to many of my survivor pals and colleagues, I’ve never used this space to say THANK YOU to the thousands of victims, witnesses, whistleblowers, advocates and concerned church-goers who have joined SNAP folks over the years at outreach events like this.
Nearly every leafletting we’ve done has proven to be effective. Almost always, in response, we’ve heard from more people who’ve been hurt in church contexts and/or had awful experiences with predators and enablers.
I’m incredibly proud of and grateful for every single person who has ever participated in these inspiring events! If you’re one of them, again, I say THANK YOU!!!!