Washington Post writers Michelle Boorstein and William Wan did an excellent job in their report about Catholic priests who have disappeared after being accused – or having claims substantiated – of sexual misconduct. As a strong supporter of SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests), I am especially proud of David Fortwangler’s contribution to this important piece. David’s name might be familiar to some, particularly in the Charlotte area, as he now resides in the Carolinas and has been a voice for SNAP and victims of clergy abuse in news reports, on radio talk shows (in Charlotte and Raleigh) and at speaking engagements, including before Catholic parishioners who have wanted to learn more about a survivor’s viewpoint than is generally found in the media. A victim himself of vile abuse by a Catholic priest when he was a child, David is determined to bring awareness of not only injustices within the Catholic church but also the life-long suffering which victims must endure.
I am honored to know David Fortwangler personally and am thankful for his courage, compassion and dedication to helping victims and holding those accountable who enable abusive priests to remain anonymous or simply vanish.
