About the Presentation

Marni Williams and Jack Lavino, two survivors of clergy sexual abuse, will tell their stories and the impact on their lives. They will also describe their support and advocacy work with SNAP, Survivor’s Network of those Abused by Priests. Rev. Daniels-Block will talk about the ecumenical response to clergy sexual abuse over the years, why the Catholic church is in such a mess, and what is needed now. Her local congregation’s sexual abuse policy will be handed out. We will also discuss why churches tear apart when a pastor is accused.

About the Presenter

Rev. Linda Daniels-Block, Pastor, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in northeast Boulder, a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Lutheran pastor for 25 years in parishes, on national staff, global and ecumenical advocacy for women and children. She has published and has extensively been a facilitator and keynote speaker.

Marnie Williams, has a B.S. in theater and children’s literature and is a Certified  Trigger Point Myotherapist. She is also a minister ordained through the New Order of Glastonbury, an independent Catholic church. Marnie practices Trigger Point Myotherapy (a deep muscle pain relief technique). Her past experiences include training caregivers at Hospice in Winchester, MA; acting as chair of the myotherapy department for the Academy of Myotherapy and Physical Fitness in Lenox, MA; and leading groups in pain management.

She was abused by a Catholic priest whom she was seeing for counseling her freshman year in college. She started the local chapter of SNAP (Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests) in 2002.  She is also the co-director of SNAP Colorado.

Jack Lavino, MA, ICADC, is a psychotherapist in private practice. He works with adults who have addictions, who were abused as children, or who have suffered religious/spiritual abuse. He also runs groups to help people build the motivation, confidence, and skills to make health-related lifestyle changes. He has a master’s degree in psycholgy and is an Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor.

A Catholic priest abused Jack Lavino on his First Communion Sunday. He currently is co-leader of the Boulder chapter of the Survivors’ Network of Those Abused by Priests (SNAP).

Additional Resources

See 7/19/03 “Healing From Abuse” Daily Camera article

Rev. Linda Daniels-Block
303 530-4422