ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A newly accessible archive documenting decades of clergy abuse within the Archdiocese of Santa Fe is the focus of a webinar set for Monday, February 23, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. Eastern. The online event, hosted by BishopAccountability.org, aims to explore the experiences of survivors detailed within the collection and shed light on a history marked by scandal and institutional failures. The webinar will be led by Terence McKiernan, founder and president of BishopAccountability.org.
The archive, housed at the Zimmerman Library of the University of Fresh Mexico, contains over 40,000 pages of priest files, depositions, and other documents related to allegations of abuse within the archdiocese. Its creation stemmed from a settlement in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe’s bankruptcy case, making previously confidential records publicly available. This access is intended to provide transparency and accountability in a case that has involved the resignation of Archbishop Robert Sanchez and revelations surrounding the actions of priests like James Porter and David Holley.
A History of Abuse and Institutional Response
The Archdiocese of Santa Fe has a long and troubled history regarding clergy sexual abuse. The archive details cases involving the Servants of the Paraclete, a religious order that operated within the archdiocese from the late 1940s to the 1990s. According to materials from BishopAccountability.org, the order received priests accused of misconduct from across the country, allowing them to continue ministering in parishes while allegedly continuing to abuse children. This arrangement, critics say, facilitated widespread harm and demonstrates a systemic failure to protect vulnerable individuals.
Phil Saviano, a survivor of abuse by Father David Holley, played a pivotal role in bringing these issues to light, including contributing to the 2002 reporting by Spotlight, the Boston Globe investigative team that exposed widespread abuse within the Catholic Church. Saviano’s story, and those of other survivors, are central to understanding the scope and impact of the abuse within the Santa Fe Archdiocese.
Exploring the Archive and Supporting Survivors
The webinar on February 23rd will focus on the organization of the archive and how survivors’ statements and other documents illuminate their experiences. McKiernan and BishopAccountability.org hope to highlight the individuals who advocated for the archive’s release and the importance of survivor voices in the ongoing pursuit of justice and healing. Paula Kaempffer, Coordinator for Restorative Practices and Survivor Support at the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, is being recognized for her work in supporting this webinar series.
Participants can attend the webinar live with a Q&A session, or view a recording at their convenience. Registration is required and can be completed at this link. The event is free and open to the public.
The Role of BishopAccountability.org
BishopAccountability.org, founded in 2003, has been a leading advocate for transparency and accountability within the Catholic Church regarding clergy abuse. The organization received the 2023 Distinguished Service Award from the American Catholic Historical Association for its work in uncovering and documenting these cases. McKiernan’s leadership has been instrumental in bringing attention to the issue and supporting survivors.
The organization’s work extends beyond simply documenting abuse; it similarly focuses on advocating for policy changes and providing resources for survivors. The Santa Fe archive represents a significant step forward in this effort, offering a comprehensive record of past misconduct and a platform for survivors to share their stories.
The webinar promises to be a crucial event for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of clergy abuse, the importance of archival research, and the ongoing struggle for justice and healing for survivors. Those seeking more information about the archive and BishopAccountability.org’s work can visit the organization’s website.
The next step in the process is the continued analysis of the archive’s contents and the ongoing support of survivors as they navigate the difficult process of healing and seeking accountability. The webinar on Monday, February 23rd, is a vital part of that process.
If you or someone you know has been affected by clergy abuse, resources are available. You can find support and information through organizations dedicated to assisting survivors and advocating for change.
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