Southern Baptists urged to review abuse reports

By Meredith Somers
WashingtTimes
June 11, 2014

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/jun/11/southern-baptists-urged-review-abuse-reports/

BALTIMORE | Advocates for victims of clergy abuse are calling on the Southern Baptist Convention to take steps to prevent and protect its members.

A half-dozen members of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) stood Wednesday outside the Baltimore Convention Center, urging attendees at the Southern Baptists’ national meeting to talk with their families about abuse and ask their church leaders to support an internal review for abuse reports.

“It’s why we do what we do,” said Becky Ianni, SNAP director for the D.C. and Virginia area and an abuse victim herself. “If we can be here, we can do something to protect children.”

While SNAP is well known for its criticism of the Vatican and its handling of the Catholic clergy abuse scandal, Ms. Ianni said the organization is “inclusive” and helps survivors from any church or denomination.