Catholic clergy abuse survivors call for alleged Washington abuse documents to be released

SPOKANE, Wash. - Survivors and advocates are calling on the three Washington State Catholic diocese to release alleged documents they have that contain evidence of clergy abuse and cover-up.

This comes after a Washington State judge rejected Attorney General Bob Ferguson's request to enforce a subpoena against the Seattle Archdiocese over its handling of sexual abuse cases. The Diocese of Spokane was also subpoenaed by Ferguson in May.

Clergy abuse survivors and advocates met at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes on Tuesday to advocate for victims here in Spokane.

"I am a survivor of priest and young nun abuse," said clergy abuse survivor Mary Dispenza.

Dispenza said she was 7-years-old when she suffered abuse by the Catholic church in Los Angeles. Now, she stands strong advocating for others in Washington.

"I'm also here to ask and demand that the files be released," Dispenza said. "The only person who can do that is the bishop. So I ask Bishop Daly to do the right thing."

Advocates are calling for the Washington Catholic church to lift the veil of secrecy so no other child is abused.

"It includes personal files, victim testimony, internal church memos, police reports, those kinds of things that help us piece together what happened over a period of time, who knew about it and really important to the attorney general's point: how were church funds used to facilitate all of this," said Sarah Pearson from the Catholic Accountability Project.

They also encourage whistleblowers and survivors to come forward.

As a survivor, Mary said she knows the fear that comes with coming forward.

"I want to assure you that we all were afraid at one time to speak out, to take back our power. I can also assure you that in doing that, there's a sense of power that you regain," said Dispenza.

Advocates said they recently gave Attorney General Ferguson over 7,000 pages that reveal evidence of clergy abuse and cover ups from all three Washington State dioceses.

Attorney General Ferguson said in a statement he plans to appeal the court's decision on the subpoena.

According to the Associated Press, the Seattle Archbishop said the church is willing to provide relevant records and collaborate with Ferguson in a lawful matter.

If you are a survivor or have any information regarding clergy abuse you are encouraged to call the Attorney General’s clergy abuse hotline at 833-952-6277.

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