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).
Michigan AG Charges 5 Priests with Criminal Sexual Conduct as Clergy Abuse Investigation Moves Forward
We are grateful to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel for updating the public on her investigation and for her and her team’s steadfast pursuit of justice for survivors of clergy sexual abuse. The charges announced today will bring not only healing to survivors in Michigan but will also help keep the vulnerable safer.
Msgr. Harrison Releases Statement, SNAP Responds
Msgr. Craig Harrison has now joined his attorney Kyle Humphrey in using mean-spirited rhetoric against his accusers. Sadly, his words will intimidate all victims, witnesses and whistle blowers in the Diocese of Fresno, not just those who have made allegations against him.
Catholic Monk Comes Forward in Msgr. Harrison Case
We applaud Br. Justin Gilligan, not only for his courage to speak out and share publicly his experiences with Msgr. Craig Harrison, but also for his efforts to support the men – and their families – who have also come forward. His willingness to speak truth to power and stand up for other victims is inspiring. We hope that other survivors and whistleblowers will be encouraged by Br. Gilligan’s example and follow in his footsteps.
West Virginia AG Strengthens His Lawsuit against WV Catholic Diocese
We are grateful that West Virginia Attorney General Morrisey is keeping the pressure up on the Wheeling-Charleston diocese by bringing new counts and evidence to his lawsuit. Informed communities are safer communities, and the more that is investigated, the more truth gets exposed.
Previous “Unsubstantiated” Allegation against Msgr. Harrison Now Believed by Fresno Church Officials
For immediate release, May 20, 2019
We are grateful that Church officials from the Diocese of Fresno have the wisdom to recognize that past allegations against Msgr. Craig Harrison were likely improperly investigated, swept under the rug, or otherwise ignored, and are reviewing those allegations again. We are glad that current Church administrators are willing to admit that the old regime made mistakes and are making efforts to find survivors of the Monsignor today.
Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston Quietly Adds More Names to their List
We are glad that the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston has updated their list of priests publicly accused of abuse. We are disappointed, however, that they did so without notifying the public.
Pennsylvania Catholic Conference Publicly Attacks Survivor Advocate
As a SNAP Leader in Philadelphia and one who works very closely with survivors of clergy sex abuse here in Pennsylvania, I am appalled at the remarks made on a social media platform of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference towards Ms. Carolyn Fortney. The comment lacked professionalism, public opinion etiquette, and good taste, as well the promoted Catholic principles. We stand in solidarity with Carolyn and all other survivors and advocates who have felt insulted or besmirched by the posting.
PUBLICLY ACCUSED SAN DIEGO ABUSIVE PRIESTS WHO ARE NOT INCLUDED ON THE OFFICIAL DIOCESAN ‘ACCUSED’ LIST (5/19)
PUBLICLY ACCUSED SAN DIEGO ABUSIVE PRIESTS WHO ARE NOT
INCLUDED ON THE OFFICIAL DIOCESAN ‘ACCUSED’ LIST (5/19)
--Fr. John Patrick Feeney, who was a priest of the Green Bay diocese and stands accused of sexually abusing at least a dozen children during his career, during which he was assigned to 18 parishes. In 2004, he was convicted of child sex crimes and sentenced to 15 years prison.
His name appears on the ‘credibly accused’ lists in three dioceses: Green Bay, Las Vegas and Omaha. He was in the San Diego diocese in 1983 and in the Los Angeles archdiocese from 1990-2002.
http://www.bishopaccountability.org/assign/Feeney_John_Patrick.htm
Survivors seek meeting with Ken Feinberg about compensation programs
A support group for clergy abuse victims want a voice in compensation programs being set up by California Catholic officials.