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).
New Report Released into Archdiocese of New York, SNAP Responds
The Archdiocese of New York today released the results of an “independent” investigation into their policies and procedures. While this report is ostensibly an attempt at transparency, it really feels like another move by church officials to handle allegations of abuse in house.
Diocese of Lansing, MI Releases List of Accused Priests
The Diocese of Lansing, MI today released their list of priests that have been accused of abuse. We hope that this release will bring hope and healing to survivors and will help protect more children from being victimized in the future.
SNAP Responds to Passing of Cardinal William Levada
Cardinal William Levada has passed away. In his wake, he leaves behind a legacy of obfuscation, cover-up, and minimization of cases of clergy abuse.
SNAP Applauds as Rhode Island Police Create Clergy Abuse Hotline
State police in Rhode Island have taken a major step forward in helping investigate cases of clergy abuse by creating a confidential hotline for survivors, witnesses, and whistleblowers. We applaud this move and hope that other states around the country will follow suit.
Diocese of Pittsburgh Files Petition with State Supreme Court
One of Pennsylvania’s largest Catholic dioceses is petitioning that state’s supreme court for “extraordinary relief” in an effort to avoid the consequences of years of enabling and minimizing cases of clergy abuse. We hope that their petition fails and that the lawsuits brought by survivors will be allowed to move forward.
Philadelphians Deserve A More Open Prelate Following Archbishop Chaput’s Retirement
Archbishop Charles Chaput today turned 75, the age at which prelates are to submit their resignation to the pontiff. Often, the Vatican ignores this. But in this case we hope Pope Francis will act quickly to replace Archbishop Chaput with a cleric who is willing to courageously confront the archdiocese’s continuing abuse and cover up scandal.
New Policies Are Not the Solution that Buffalo Needs
In response to the growing scandal in the Diocese of Buffalo, church officials have rolled out their latest solution – updated policies and procedures for priests who abuse others. We have no faith whatsoever that this latest move will have any real impact in the diocese.
SNAP Applauds New Cheverus Fundraising Effort but Urges Fundraisers to Focus on Prevention First
Leaders from SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, are grateful that a handful of Catholic school alumni are raising money to address the issue of clergy abuse. We hope other classes will follow their lead. But while they appreciate and honor this interest in helping victims, SNAP strongly urge them to instead put the money they are raising towards preventing future cases of sexual abuse.
Rhode Island Church Knowingly Employed Child Abuser for 20 Years
A church in Rhode Island has knowingly employed a child abuser for twenty years, potentially giving this dangerous man access to vulnerable children. This open and flagrant violation of the Dallas Charter should demand an immediate response from church officials in Rhode Island and the Vatican.
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