I’m grateful to the editors of U.S. Catholic magazine for providing me with the opportunity to tell my story and enter the ongoing conversation regarding the clergy abuse crisis in the Roman Catholic Church.
You can read my essay, “We’re Still Here,” which is published in the July issue of the magazine by clicking here.
In the mid-1980s I was sexually abused by a Roman Catholic priest, the pastor of my parish in rural Wisconsin. For many years I didn’t tell anyone, keeping what seemed like a promise. Gratefully, our family moved in December of 1986, and I never saw the priest again. He died in 2008.
I’m 42 now, more than 30 years removed from the trauma I experienced. I’ve had the opportunity to address what happened with many professionals, close friends, and fellow survivors.
As the church continues to grapple with this crisis, it is important that we are intentional about the reality that many survivors have chosen not to leave, but remain. Indeed, we’re still here, we welcome your prayers, and we yearn for you to know us and our stories.
Read the essay by visiting the U.S. Catholic website.