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 Letter to Archbishop Carlson
Dear Archbishop Carlson:
As you know, next month you’ll reach the mandatory retirement age for bishops. Unless you do something remarkable in the coming weeks, your legacy and obituary will likely cause you, your loved ones and your flock considerable shame, because it will prominently feature the stunningly embarrassing video deposition in which, according to NBC News, you
- claimed you “didn’t know in the 1980s whether it was illegal for priests to have sex with children,” and
- “responded 193 times that (you) did not recall abuse-related conversations from the 1980s to mid-1990s.”
Grand Jury Indicts Fr. Manual LaRosa Lopez, SNAP Responds
We are grateful to the Conroe County Grand Jury that has indicted accused abusive priest Fr. Manuel LaRosa Lopez.
California Attorney General opens Probe into Archdiocese of Los Angeles
We are encouraged by the announcement that AG Xavier Becerra will open a probe into the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and their handling of clergy sex abuse allegations.
What Is Being Done to Prevent More Abusers Being Housed at Gonzaga?
Some question whether Gonzaga’s president knew about 24 suspended and accused abusive Jesuit priests who were at the school. But the key question is actually “What’s he doing now to punish those who were clearly reckless and reach out to those who may have been hurt?”
Ex-PSU President Sees Conviction Overturned
We are disappointed that the child endangerment conviction of ex-Penn State president Graham Spanier has been overturned and we hope prosecutors will re-try him.
SNAP Reacts to News that Central Valley District Attorneys will Audit Fresno Diocese
We are heartened to read that the district attorneys of at least seven counties will work together to ensure the audit of the Diocese of Fresno and its “secret archives” is complete and transparent. Civil oversight by secular professionals in law enforcement is the best way to protect children and get to the truth of institutional abuse scandals.
Statement by Janet Klinger of SNAP New York
As victims, we are tired of being turned away by Bishop John Barres. As parishioners, you deserve the same answers we seek. Only then can we protect children.
Settlement Reached in Duluth, MN
We are glad that the legal issues in the Diocese of Duluth, MN are resolved but hope other Catholic bishops avoid the temptation to seek Chapter 11 protection. This process almost inevitably helps complicit church officials keep a lid on their wrongdoing.
SNAP Wants Vigil for Accused Priest Canceled
Abuse group wants event cancelled
Vigil is planned tonight for accused priest
“That intimidates other victims,” organization says
SNAP: Bishop should tell his flock to “stay home tonight”
SNAP Reacts to the Release of Names of Accused Clerics in the Diocese of Sacramento
The Diocese of Sacramento has finally released its list of clergy “credibly accused” of sexually abusing children. There are 62 names on the list, including at least 25 that, as far as we can tell, have never been publicly identified before:
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