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).
Statement from NY Leader Janet Klinger on Bishop John McGann
We are members of a support group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. We exist for two reasons: To protect the vulnerable and to heal the wounded. We are here today for three reasons.
SNAP Supports California Effort to Remove Ecclesiastical Exemptions in Mandatory Reporting Laws
A bill has been introduced into the California State Senate that would remove exemptions in mandatory reporting laws that allow clergy to avoid punishment for refusing to report allegations of child abuse or neglect.
Pope Lashes Out at Survivors as Abuse Summit is Set to Begin
As Cardinals and Bishops from across the world gather for Pope Francis’s much-anticipated abuse summit, the tone at the start of the meeting has left survivors and advocates feeling minimized once again.
Keep Cardinal McCarrick in Kansas, SNAP Says
Though former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick has been defrocked, we hope - for the safety of children and vulnerable adults – that Catholic officials in Kansas will keep him at the friary where he has been living.
Newark Archdiocese Refuses to Reveal Whereabouts of Abusive Clerics
We’re both encouraged and worried to learn that “Four (accused abusers) are being monitored by the Newark Archdiocese under unclear circumstances.” Children are safest when predators are jailed. If that’s not possible, then predators should be publicly exposed and closely monitored, ideally in remote, secure, independently-run facilities under the supervision of secular professionals.
Former Bishop in New York Accused of Sexually Abusing Minors
Another U.S. Catholic bishop has been accused of child sexual abuse, this time on Long Island. Today, two women have come forward to accuse Bishop John McGann, formerly of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, of sexually abusing them as children.
Colorado Attorney General Announces Investigation into Clergy Sex Abuse
Colorado’s top law enforcement official has announced that he is opening an investigation into clergy sex abuse and cover-ups in his state.
SNAP Reacts to the Release of Names of Accused Clerics in the Diocese of Oakland
For immediate release: February 18, 2019
The Diocese of Oakland has finally released its list of clergy and religious brothers “credibly accused” of sexually abusing children. There are 45 names on the list, including at least 5 clerics who have never been publicly identified before: Thomas Duong Binh-Minh, Hilary Cooper, Patrick Finnegan, Daniel McLeod and Virendra Coutts.
More Names Hidden in Chicago, SNAP Responds
Less than a week before the international summit he is slated to lead, Chicago’s top Catholic official is facing new questions about his knowledge and handling of three “credibly” accused priests in his Archdiocese.