Media Statements
We are SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. We are the largest, oldest and most active support group for women and men wounded by religious authority figures (priests, ministers, bishops, deacons, nuns and others).
SNAP Supports LDS Church Leaders who were Sued for Reporting Abuse
A bizarre lawsuit has been filed against church officials from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, but in this case it is the church officials who did the right thing. We hope this lawsuit fails.
SNAP Responds to Bloomberg Report on How Church Officials Abuse Bankruptcy Courts to Keep Clergy Abuse Hidden
A new report by Bloomberg Businessweek has put into plain view the way that Catholic officials abuse bankruptcy court in order to hold tightly to both their secrets and their money, at the expense of survivors and the protection of children. We hope this report will demonstrate to parishioners how their money is being used and will cause more people to examine how they donate to and support their church.
Hundreds of SBC Churches Served with Subpoenas, SNAP Applauds the Move
Hundreds of Southern Baptist Convention churches have been subpoenaed in a new lawsuit, a good step forward that will lead to more openness and transparency about how cases of sexual violence are treated by church leaders. We applaud this move and look forward to the results.
Abusive Priest in Boston Pleads Guilty to Multiple Counts of Abuse
A religious order priest from Boston, MA who was first accused of abusing a boy in 2002 pled guilty on Thursday, January 2 to multiple counts of sexual abuse of a child.
North Dakota Dioceses Release Lists of Accused Clergy, SNAP Responds
Finally, in a long-overdue move prompted by pressure from the public and parishioners, two Catholic dioceses in North Dakota have released lists of clergy accused of sexually abusing children.
The Diocese of Fargo and the Diocese of Bismarck both released lists of priests who have abused children. Unfortunately, both lists are lacking in critical detail and should be updated immediately if church leaders in these dioceses want to truly be open and honest with their parishioners.
Lawsuit Filed Against the Diocese of San Jose and Bellarmine College Prep
A new lawsuit has been filed against a Jesuit-run school in San Jose. We are grateful to this survivor for coming forward and hope his example encourages others who may be suffering in silence to come forward and make a report to police.
New Lawsuit Filed Against the Diocese of Oakland
We applaud these brave survivors who are bringing lawsuits against their abusers and the Diocese of Oakland. Thanks to them, more information about dangerous men is being made public that can help prevent future cases of abuse. Now we call on church officials in Oakland to publicize this information and encourage other victims, witnesses, and whistleblowers to come forward and make a report to police.
U.S. Capitol to Fly a Flag Honoring Survivors of Sexual Violence
The U.S. Capitol will ring in the new year by flying a flag in honor of survivors of childhood sexual abuse. We are grateful for this display of support and are hopeful that legislators will follow it up by taking up legislation in 2020 that will protect children and prevent future cases of abuse.