AG Ferguson has issued statewide subpoenas to Catholic dioceses, victims’ groups believe
Anti-abuse groups urge survivors and whistleblowers to call AG office
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FEBRUARY 12, 2024
CONTACT:
Tim Law
ECA Co-founder/Board Member
+1-206-412-0165
timalaw@aol.com
Mary Dispenza
SNAP Northwest Director
+1-425-941-6001
mcdispenza@comcast.net
On Tuesday, February 13th, the Catholic Accountability Project (CAP) will hold a press conference outside Attorney General Ferguson’s office to discuss the subpoenas they believe were sent to Archbishop Étienne of Seattle, Bishop Tyson of Yakima, and Bishop Daly of Spokane last August seeking abuse-related documents and evidence.
The Catholic Accountability Project is a new Washington State-based initiative formed of lay Catholic leaders calling for justice for survivors of clergy abuse.
WHEN: Tuesday, February 13th, 11:00am
WHERE: Office of the Attorney General, 1125 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA
WHAT: A press conference featuring survivors of abuse in faith-based organizations and advocates holding signs with photos of offenders and victims and delivering a letter to Ferguson’s office supporting the AG’s action and urging victims and whistleblowers to report.
WHY: Based on information from a highly credible source, victims groups believe Attorney General Bob Ferguson has taken the action of serving subpoenas upon the three bishops of the three dioceses in Washington State. If so, Ferguson has joined 23 other state attorneys general, both Democrats and Republicans, in investigating sexual abuse in faith-based organizations.
These subpoenas are believed to be in the form of civil investigative demands, pursuant to the Washington State Charitable Trust Act. The Charitable Trust Act gives the Washington State Attorney General the authority to “facilitate public supervision” of public charitable trusts…and to clarify and implement the powers and duties of the attorney general.” This legislation gives Ferguson the necessary power to investigate nonprofit institutions such as the Catholic Church.
Survivors and advocates are urging Ferguson to do the following:
Immediately establish a confidential hotline and online reporting system, as has been done in other statewide investigations. This would provide a secure platform for victims, witnesses, and whistleblowers to expose abuse and cover-up within faith-based organizations.
Compel the production of pertinent documents, evidence, and the testimony of leadership in organizations where abuse has transpired.
Pursue, in cooperation with local district attorneys, criminal prosecutions based on evidence uncovered in the course of his investigation
Issue a comprehensive final report to the citizens of Washington State, detailing the Attorney General's findings.
Survivors groups are urging victims, concerned Catholics, and whistleblowers to contact the Office of the Attorney General at 360-753-6200 to register their support for a statewide investigation, report their abuse, and share their experiences and concerns. Additionally, the call extends to those with any other relevant information and evidence.
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