Survivors and anti-abuse advocates to hold vigil outside of Ash Wednesday service at St. James Cathedral
Victims have invited Archbishop Étienne to pray with them for repentance for the harm caused by sexual abuse
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FEBRUARY 13, 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
WHERE: St. James Cathedral, 804 9th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
WHEN: 12:45pm, following the 12:10pm Ash Wednesday service
WHAT: Clergy abuse survivors and advocates holding photos of victims at the age they were abused, candles, and signs calling for accountability for abuse. The group will distribute flyers informing parishioners of recent steps they believe have been taken by Attorney General Bob Ferguson to investigate abuse.
WHY: Survivors of clergy abuse and anti-abuse advocates will gather outside St. James Cathedral in downtown Seattle following the 12:10pm Ash Wednesday service on Wednesday, February 14th to call Church leaders to atonement for their ongoing enabling and covering-up of abuse. The group has invited Archbishop Étienne to pray with them for repentance for the harms caused by sexual abuse.
Read Catholic Accountability Project’s invitation to Archbishop Étienne
The Catholic Accountability Project, led by lay Catholics committed to fighting for justice for survivors, is organizing the vigil to provide a space for survivors, advocates, and concerned Catholics to come together, reflect on the impact of abuse, and stand in solidarity for change.
The vigil will feature testimonials from survivors of clergy abuse and those who have fought alongside them emphasizing the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and cooperation with law enforcement investigations into abuse and cover-up.
Earlier today, Catholic Accountability Project held a press conference outside the Office of the Attorney General in Olympia commending Attorney General Ferguson for issuing subpoenas they believe were sent to Washington State’s three Catholic dioceses last August. The group urged victims, witnesses, and whistleblowers to contact Ferguson’s office to register their support for a statewide investigation, report their abuse, and share any other relevant information and evidence.