http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/clergy-sexual-abuse-s440.jpgVictim will publicly share her testimony for the first time on a police report in Chicago alleging she was sexually assaulted there by the same priest.

MADISON, WI – Nate’s Mission and the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) will hold a press conference at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 4th outside the Wisconsin State Capitol building regarding a prior police report against Fr. Andrew Showers, a Diocese of Madison priest recently charged with attempted use of a computer to facilitate a child sex crime, attempted child enticement-exposing intimate parts and attempted second-degree sexual assault of a child.

At the event, the victim will publicly share her testimony for the first time regarding an early 2024 police report in Chicago alleging she was sexually assaulted by the same priest in January 2024.

The Diocese of Madison’s initial communication regarding Showers’ arrest falsely claimed that there had been “no previous allegations of misconduct related to Fr. Showers.” The diocese later issued a correction, acknowledging that a parent of a middle school child filed a report with Lodi police in December 2021 after Showers questioned the child about pornography and masturbation in the confessional.

Representatives of Nate’s Mission previously reported the Chicago allegation to the Wisconsin Department of Justice during a meeting in April last year. Advocates say the priest’s continued access to ministry and the public underscores the groups’ concerns that both church and civil authorities failed to act decisively to protect both children and vulnerable adults.

Speakers will call on state leaders and church officials to take immediate action and to ensure full accountability for church leaders who shield abusive clergy.

WHO: Survivors, representatives from Nate’s Mission and SNAP
WHAT: Press Conference on abuse allegations against Fr. Andrew Showers
WHEN: Thursday, September 4, 2025, 11:00 am
WHERE: State Capitol Building, State Street Entrance, Madison, Wisconsin