News Conference: Gary’s Statement
The following statement was delivered at the CFCtoo news conference on October 21, 2022.
My name is Gary Van Kennen. I am President of the New York State Council of Churches, whose membership includes over 7,500 churches in New York State.
Today the New York State Council of Churches stands in solidarity with our sisters and brothers who advocate for the passage and enactment of the CARE Act legislation in New York State.
Clergy would join a wide group of professionals who are legally mandated to report child abuse. This legislation is one more way to identify and minimize abuse of the vulnerable. We wish to stress that in nearly half the states, clergy are mandated reporters. As a Council, it’s incredible to us that New York did not make this a requirement many years ago.
We invite you to join us in this advocacy effort by calling your state assemblyperson, state senator, and the governor’s office. It’s time to pass this legislation right away.
