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).
Southern Baptist Convention Needs Leadership Willing to Tackle Cases of Clergy Sex Abuse
Al Mohler wants to lead the Southern Baptist Convention, but when it comes to dealing with clergy sex abuse, he has not shown leadership. To the contrary, he has long dragged his heels and has found himself forced to acknowledge a problem only because of courageous survivors, determined attorneys and tenacious journalists.
With Ad Limina Visits, Pope Francis Should Renew Call for “All-Out Battle” on Clergy Abuse
Starting this week, virtually all U.S. Catholic bishops will begin travelling to Rome to meet face-to-face with Pope Francis. During these “ad limina” visits, we hope that Church officials and the pontiff will focus almost solely on combatting cases of clergy abuse and improving how Catholic leaders respond to victims and protect children.
Colorado Report Shows Need for Further Investigation into Clergy Abuse
An in-depth report from the Denver Post has reinforced findings from an earlier AP report that large numbers of accused child abusers are alive and remain dangerous in whichever communities they live. We call on Catholic officials throughout Colorado to take steps to warn communities where these dangerous men live and work, so that children and the vulnerable are protected and so that parents, parishioners, and the public are better informed.
Diocese of Steubenville Should Continue Outreach About Abusive Former Teacher
A former teacher from the Diocese of Steubenville was arrested last week for sexual misconduct with a minor. We are glad that church officials took steps to warn the public about him and urge them to undertake further outreach.
SNAP Agrees with Former CO Attorney General who Advocates SOL Reform Now
Colorado’s former attorney general is pushing for much needed reform to the state’s statute of limitations laws. We hope Colorado lawmakers are listening and will act quickly on this wise recommendation.
Abusive pastor plans a return to ministry in Memphis
An accused abusive pastor plans to start a new church in Memphis. We hope that Baptist officials denounce this move and that parishioners in Memphis choose not to attend this new church.
Another Sexual Assault Case Filed Against Priest in Venice, Florida
For the second time this month a lawsuit has been filed against a priest from Venice, FL, this one alleging sexual assault in 2017. We applaud this woman for coming forward and hope that this news encourages other potential victims or witnesses to come forward.
Notorious Priest Who Abused 100+ in Guam Was Trained in Colorado
One of the most notorious abusers in Guam was trained in a Colorado seminary. We call on Catholic officials in Denver to add his name to their list of accused priests, and to take steps to reach out to any of his victims that may still be suffering in silence.
Indiana Priest Charged with Abusing a Child in 2016
A priest from Indiana has been charged related to allegations that he abused a child in 2016. We applaud the Indianapolis District Attorney for charging Reverend David Marcotte with three felonies related to the sexual abuse of children and hope that this news encourages others with information to come forward and make a report to police.
Dallas Jesuit Prep Sued Again for Child Sexual Abuse, SNAP Responds
A new lawsuit has been filed against a school run by the Catholic Church in Dallas. We are grateful that this survivor of sexual abuse, a former athlete and now an attorney, has spoken out about his abuse. His revelation of a new name to potentially be added to the Jesuits' list of abusers may well help other victims heal. It could also be a step towards addressing the under count of abusers in Texas.