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).
Three More Accused SC Priests Uncovered
A support group for clergy sex abuse victims has found three priests who have been publicly accused of molesting kids but are not on the Charleston Catholic diocese’s just-released list of abusers.
Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau Adds More Names to their List of Abusive Clerics
We are disappointed that Springfield MO Catholic officials are just now posting names of credibly accused abusive clerics that we publicly exposed months ago. We are also frustrated that Bishop Edward Rice refuses to give photos, whereabouts and full work histories of these men, helpful information that would better protect children.
Priest with History of Abuse in Columbia Removed from Ministry in Texas
In a step forward for child protection, the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston today suspended one of their priests who allegedly abused children in his native Colombia before coming to the United States. The media report says that this abuse may have resulted in the birth of children.
Virginia Passes Mandated Reporting Bill, SNAP Responds
We are grateful any time state legislators work to pass legislation that will protect children, and so we are glad that this new mandatory reporting bill was passed in Virginia.
Vatican Unveils New Legislation on Sexual Abuse, SNAP Responds
The Vatican has unveiled new reporting requirements for all church personnel, but despite being new, these reporting requirements simply feel like more of the same.
SNAP Disappointed in New Archbishop for Washington, D.C.
According to a new report, Pope Francis is set to tap Archbishop Wilton Gregory to lead the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C.
Priest with "established" allegations of abuse in residence at a New Orleans parish
The Dominican Province of St. Joseph has posted a list of those friars "credibly accused" of the sexual abuse of a minor. This list included the name of a man with an allegation that was "deemed to be established by the lay Provincial Review Board." The friar is currently in residence at a New Orleans parish.
Archdiocese of Oklahoma City Delays Releasing List of Abusive Clergy
Despite being a month behind their self-imposed deadline, church officials from the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City still have no date in sight for when they will follow in the footsteps of more than 100 dioceses around the country and release a list of credibly accused priests, nuns, deacons and other church staff.
Disgraced Archbishop Lives Near Schools in Detroit
A Michigan pastor claims that a suspended cleric with multiple allegations of abuse is not a “potential threat” to the community. We disagree and believe that, for the safety of area children, parishioners should be informed about his presence, especially given his close proximity to neighborhood schools.
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