SAN JUAN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Groups rallied outside the San Juan Basilica Monday to show support for victims of clergy sexual abuse.
The Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests and Catholic advocacy group Call to Action braved the rain to host the event.
“The only way that we’re going to encounter healing is by making it open,” said Martha Sanchez, Call to Action member. “Bringing light to this issue and deal with it.”
Victims and advocates alike spoke out after allegations of abuse were made against two members of the clergy in the Brownsville Diocese.
Father Fernando Gonzalez Ortega was arrested on charges of sexual performance by a child, sexual assault of a child, continuous sexual abuse of a child, trafficking of a person, and continuous trafficking of persons in February.
In March, an allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor was leveled against Monsignor Gustavo Barrera which stemmed from incidents that happened 35 years ago. Barrera has denied those allegations.
The Diocese received the report detailing the accusation from the Victim’s Assistance Coordinator on March 15 but did not release a statement addressing it until April 3. According to a news release from Cameron County District Attorney Luis V. Saenz, another individual came forward with an allegation on April 4.
“We implore Bishop Flores to actively seek other victims in the parishes where the accused priests worked,” said Patty Koo, Leader of SNAP San Antonio chapter. “Make these parishes known to the public. If you truly want to support survivors, as you say you do, then speak openly and with full transparency about any accusations of abuse of clergy.”
Koo said that she was abused by a Rio Grande Valley priest as a child.
Event organizers said it can take a long time for survivors to come forward and tell their stories. Abuse victims fear they will not be believed or worry their allegations could hurt the church.
“Sometimes it’s really hard for us to hear that sometimes our priests or clerics can do something like that,” said Sanchez. “The way to protect the church is to be open and to be encouraging and to really listen to their voices.”
Organizers urged the Diocese to create a culture where victims can speak out and get the support they need.
Every case is different and each survivor’s story is unique.
Koo hopes an abuser, even years later, will face criminal accountability, however, that is not always possible. Prosecution and conviction are public safety issues. Getting a predator off the streets is important, but that is not the focus of her organization.
“Our goal at SNAP is not to focus on the legal part as much as just supporting the survivor,” Koo said. “We empower them to do what they feel they need to do.”
Organizers shared a wide variety of resources for survivors of sexual abuse.
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network
Darkness to Light child sexual abuse prevention resources
NetGrace.org for victims within Protestant communities
