Activists Demand Update About State's Clergy-Abuse Investigation

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Members of the SNAP Network and ArchAngel Foundation stood outside the Archdiocese of Chicago Tuesday morning with a simple request: that state officials offer an update into allegations into church sex abuse.

It's been a full year since the state-wide investigation began under former Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan. In Madigan's last report, SNAP members learned Catholic officials in Illinois had received allegations of abuse by 690 priests but only made 185 of those complaints public.

"This hampers the ongoing investigation. This hampers more information coming forward to the investigation," said Roman Krasnitsky with the Archangel Foundation.

The two organizations sent a letter to current Attorney General Kwame Raoul, hoping a public update would hold clergy members accountable.

Survivors and advocates also hope other victims might come forward.

“We need to have public assurance that survivors can come forward and trust this investigation will achieve justice.” Organizers from @SNAPNetwork and other groups call on AG @KwameRaoul to update the public on ongoing institutional sexual abuse investigation. @WBBMNewsradio pic.twitter.com/NuXPGqLNiN

— Rachel Pierson (@WBBMRachel) December 31, 2019

The six dioceses in Illinois cover nearly 3.5 million Catholics.

WBBM Newsradio reached out to Attorney General Raoul's office for a response.