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 Applauds Survivor who Came Forward in Mississippi
A survivor has stepped forward in Mississippi to report the abuse she suffered at the hands of a Mississippi priest. We would like to thank this courageous survivor for coming forward and reporting these crimes committed against her.
Diocese of Manchester, NH Releases List of Accused Priests
The Diocese of Manchester, NH has released a list of priests accused of sexual abuse. Now that church officials have taken this first step, we call on them to update the list to include critical information that has been left off, and to explain these omissions.
US Olympic Committee Accused of Cover-up in Larry Nassar Case
A report from a U.S. Senate subcommittee has called out several organizations for a “cover-up” related to the serial abuse of hundreds of girls and young women by a now-disgraced and jailed former U.S. Olympic team doctor. Our hearts ache for these survivors and we hope that this report will lead to a fundamental shift in the way we view institutional accountability in cases of sexual violence.
Archdiocese of St. Louis Finally Releases List of Accused Priests
It's reckless and callous for Archbishop Robert Carlson to have hidden these names for so long, releasing them when it's convenient for him, instead of immediately when the allegations are made or deemed ‘credible.’
Priests Accused of Sexual Abuse Harbored by Group in Michigan, SNAP Reacts
A catholic group operating out of Michigan has been termed a “rapid response” team for priests that have admitted or been accused of sexually abusing others. Making matters worse, the group is funded by the same clerics who pledge honesty and transparency in cases of clerical sexual abuse. This troubling situation should be confronted by parishioners and the public.
SNAP Applauds Survivor for Coming Forward about Delbarton School Abuse
Our hearts ache for T.M. and the betrayal he suffered from the New Jersey Catholic clerics who committed and concealed heinous crimes against him. At the same time, we’re inspired by his courage in taking action and hope it prompts others who are still suffering to do likewise.
Kansas Bureau of Investigation Announces Investigations into Clergy Abuse in 33 Kansas Counties
Law enforcement officials in Kanas have announced that they have opened investigations into clergy abuse in counties throughout their state. This is a great step forward for parishioners and the public in Kansas and we look forward to future updates on these investigations.
SNAP Applauds News Organizations’ Fight to Unseal Abuse Records in North Carolina
Several major news organizations in North Carolina are going to court in order to unseal records related to two local cases of alleged clergy sexual abuse. We applaud this effort and hope that their request is successful.
Vatican Punishment of ex-Bishop Bransfield Comes Up Short
Despite facing multiple accusations of sexual harassment and abuse, on Friday the Vatican declined to permanently remove a disgraced West Virginia bishop from the church, opting instead for a lesser punishment. This sends the message that cases of sexual abuse against adults are still not taken seriously by church officials.
Norbertine Release of Credibly Accused Priest Sex Offenders Raises More Questions than Answers
Today, the Norbertine Religious Order have finally released a list of priests publicly accused of abuse. We believe that this release – and others by other church officials in Wisconsin – should be reviewed and investigated by the state attorney general.