WE ARE PAVING THE WAY FOR AN ABUSE-FREE CHURCH

Please help us support

Senate Bill 5375!

This NEW 2025 Washington State Bill requires members of the clergy to provide a report to law enforcement or the Department of Children, Youth, and Families when they have reasonable cause to believe that a child has suffered abuse or neglect. 

SB5375 has successfully passed the senate with a party line vote (28 - 20 - 1). It was then sent to the House E.L. and Human Services Committee where it was successfully passed out of committee. It must now be voted on and passed by the House of Representatives by April 2nd in order to be sent to the governor's desk to be signed into law. HB1211 failed to pass out of the House Appropriate's Committee leaving SB5375 as the only vehicle for mandated clergy reporting to become Washington State law.

YOU can help ensure Washington State passes SB5375 - Mandated Clergy Reporting Bill

by calling the Legislative Hotline THIS WEEK:

1-800-562-6000 (M-F, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

OR

By Emailing House Representatives (https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/bill/5375 ) 

to demand that they VOTE YES ON SB5375 WITHOUT AMENDMENT

We have received endorsements from:

STOP CLERGY SECRECY!

For more information about this bill and the reasons it should be passed into law, click LEARN MORE.

On May 9, 2024, Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced that his office is seeking a court order to obtain documents pertaining to clergy sexual abuse and its institutional concealment from the Archdiocese of Seattle. Ferguson confirmed what members of the Catholic Accountability Project (CAP) had announced at a press conference in February: his office had sent subpoenas to Archbishop Étienne of Seattle, Bishop Tyson of Yakima, and Bishop Daly of Spokane last summer.

In July, the AG's Office lost their appeal in Superior Court with the judge ruling that Washington's Charitable Trust Act (CTA) exempts religious organizations from scrutiny by the state. The case is currently under appeal with a hearing expected to be scheduled in late spring or summer of 2025.

THE CHURCH IS UNDER INVESTIGATION.

who we are

CAP is a Washington State-based initiative of Ending Clergy Abuse, a global human rights organization dedicated to ending the Church’s structural mechanisms that enable abuse. We fight for survivors because we love our Church, and we are committed to cultivating an environment within the Catholic Church prioritizing safety, well-being, and dignity for all.

In the news

Featured
Legislation requiring clergy to be Mandated Reporters of child abuse moving forward in Olympia
Legislation requiring clergy to be Mandated Reporters of child abuse moving forward in Olympia

“If a state cannot regulate religions,” said Sharon Huling, representing the Clergy Accountability Coalition, “then they should not be able to provide religions with exemptions either.”

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THERE ARE 10 DAYS LEFT TO INFLUENCE LAWMAKERS - MARCH 23, 2025
THERE ARE 10 DAYS LEFT TO INFLUENCE LAWMAKERS - MARCH 23, 2025

Only one hurdle remains, SB5375 must be sent to the House Floor and pass by a majority of votes by April 2nd in order for the bill to be sent to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.

Read More →
Catholic clergy abuse survivors call for alleged Washington abuse documents to be released
Catholic clergy abuse survivors call for alleged Washington abuse documents to be released

As a survivor, Mary [Dispenza] said she knows the fear that comes with coming forward. "I want to assure you that we all were afraid at one time to speak out, to take back our power. I can also assure you that in doing that, there's a sense of power that you regain."

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PRESS RELEASES

Featured
Washington’s Last Chance to Protect Children: Clergy Reporting Bill Heads to Final House Vote

SB 5375 must pass the House by April 2nd to end clergy exemption, states the Clergy Accountability Coalition, and hold religious institutions accountable for reporting child abuse.

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SEN. NOEL FRAME TO CATHOLIC BISHOP: ‘YOU’RE FAILING US’

SB 5375 continues to face resistance from religions that have used the clergy-penitent exemption to avoid reporting abuse. Proponents of the bill insist that no religious law should be above state law.

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Clergy Accountability Coalition Urges Support as State Legislature Renews Battle Over Clergy Reporting Bill SB 5375 Amid Fierce Catholic Pushback

For the third consecutive year, the Senate Human Services Committee will hold a public hearing on SB 5375, a controversial bill that seeks to classify clergy as mandatory reporters of child abuse and neglect.

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fighting for survivors

The Catholic Accountability Project (CAP) is dedicated to advocating for justice for victims of clergy sexual abuse and holding perpetrators and those who enabled them responsible for their actions.