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).
Letter to California AG Regarding Loophole Keeping Children in Danger
Dear AG Becerra,
A lawsuit was recently settled between a Catholic high school and a survivor who was a student at the time of her abuse. The perpetrator was a lay teacher named Jeffrey Hicks. We call your attention to this matter because it highlights a number of contemporary failures that we hope your office will investigate and remedy.
Legion of Christ Releases Report on Abuse, SNAP Reacts
The Legion of Christ Catholic religious order just published a report into abusers within their society. Given that the society itself was founded by a pedophile priest who perpetuated a culture of abuse and cover-up, we doubt this report is fully complete.
After Decades of Cover-up and Minimization, the Vatican is Now “Overwhelmed” by Abuse Cases
The Vatican department tasked with investigating cases of clergy abuse is reportedly “overwhelmed” by the number of allegations they are receiving. We are glad that survivors around the world have been empowered to come forward and make reports of their abuse, and we hope that this trend continues in 2020.
Jesuit Priest in Buffalo is the Latest to be Named in a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit, SNAP Calls for Transparency from Jesuit and Diocesan Officials
Fr. Charles Lehmkuhl, a Jesuit from the Northeast Province who worked in Buffalo, NY, is the latest clergy to be accused in a lawsuit for sexual abuse in New York. We applaud Matthew Ebert for his courage in going public and hope his example inspires others to come forward.
Six Men Come Forward in Camden and Trenton Thanks to NJ’s Window
Six men have come forward and gone public with their allegations of abuse against priests who spent time in the dioceses of Camden and Trenton in New Jersey. These revelations have only been made possible by the window legislation that was passed this year and we hope this story will encourage lawmakers in other states to introduce and pass window legislation of their own.
Convicted Priest Denied Parole, SNAP Applauds Decision
A Catholic priest in Kentucky who was convicted of child sexual abuse in 2016 was denied parole yesterday. We applaud this decision and are grateful that the parole board chose to put the protection of children first.
Canadian Jesuits to Release Names of Abusive Clerics, SNAP Responds
The Jesuits in Canada have committed to publicly releasing the names of clergy who are “credibly accused” of abusing children, a long overdue move that will hopefully prompt other religious orders and dioceses throughout Canada to follow suit.
OKC Diocese Knew of Abuse Allegation in 2001 Yet Only Added Priest to their List Now
The Archdiocese of Oklahoma City just disclosed the name of another priest with a "substantiated" allegation of child sexual abuse, despite having known about the allegation for nearly two decades. This is a disturbing revelation that calls into question the cooperation of Catholic officials with the recently released report into clergy abuse in the archdiocese.
SBC’s fund-raising email misleads about support for most #SBCtoo survivors
In a new fund-raising email, the SBC’s Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission suggests that it “stands with” clergy abuse victims, a claim that is misleading and insensitive.
Pope Francis Issues New Rules for Cases of Clergy Abuse
Following decades of institutionalized secrecy in cases of clergy abuse, today Pope Francis has issued new rules relating to how such cases are handled, ostensibly aiming at creating more transparency. We hope that these reforms will lead to less secrecy in cases of abuse and more openness from church officials throughout the world.
Winter Appeal 2023
To our friends,
2023 has been a long year with many ups and downs for us all. As we close out the year, we at SNAP hope that you are feeling like you are on your way to being healthy, fulfilled, and happy. This past year has brought both successes and challenges. Thanks to the support you have shown in the past, we’ve been able to celebrate the good days and weather the stormy ones. Now, we are once again asking for your support as we work to support survivors new and old as we ‘Move SNAP Forward.’
At SNAP we are proud to have hosted a very well-attended conference in August 2023. This event allowed us to gather friends, survivors, advocates, and allies for a weekend of camaraderie and connection. We were so happy to be able to welcome many first-time attendees to gather in person and are already looking forward to the next conference.
To strengthen our movement for justice, healing, and prevention, SNAP will be expanding our peer support and providing more volunteer opportunities in the coming year. Through this great work, we are ensuring survivor voices are represented as we work for significant change that will benefit children and survivors.
Right now, survivors worldwide are getting the help they need from SNAP, and more and more reach out to us daily, but we need your help to keep those programs going and get our volunteers the training they need to thrive.
Your tax-deductible gift to SNAP can help offset the cost of our important mission. If you are not in a position to contribute, you can still support us by sharing this letter with those who can. As we continue to fight for survivors across the globe, your donation or sharing the great work SNAP does will help us continue our work to protect the vulnerable, heal the wounded, and prevent abuse.
Your donation ensures SNAP will be there for those who need us more than ever!
Warmly,
Michael W. McDonnell, C.P.S.
Interim Executive Director