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).
Child Victims Act Signed into Law, SNAP Responds
For immediate release, February 14, 2019
The much-needed and greatly anticipated Child Victims Act was signed into law today in New York.
Virginia Dioceses Release Lists of Accused Clerics
Two dioceses in Virginia have released their lists of clergy who have been “credibly” accused of abuse. We are grateful for this move but urge further action.
New Jersey Dioceses Release Lists of Accused Clerics
Today, dioceses across the state of New Jersey have released their lists of clerics who have been “credibly” accused of abuse. We applaud this move but push for further action.
Four publicly accused clerics who are not on Omaha"s list of those with "substantiated allegations"
Four publicly accused clerics who are not on Omaha"s list of those with "substantiated allegations"
--Fr. Thomas B. Laughlin, who “admitted to molesting dozens of boys over decades,” was described by a newspaper as “one of Oregon's most notorious pedophile priests,” and who spent “his last years living a quiet existence near family in Omaha.” A Nebraska native, Fr. Laughlin was ordained in Lincoln. He faced numerous civil suits, most of which settled, and was convicted at least once and sentenced to one year in jail. “Laughlin was known as an exceptionally charismatic priest and tremendous church fundraiser who hobnobbed with Portland's Catholic business and political elite,” wrote the Oregonian.
Details Emerge Regarding the Diocese of Harrisburg's Victim Assistance Fund
Last November, the Diocese of Harrisburg announced that they were creating a victims compensation fund to aid survivors of clergy abuse in their diocese. Today we have learned the details of that fund.
SNAP Stands with Survivors from the Southern Baptist Convention
Yesterday, the Houston Chronicle and San Antonio Express-News published the first part of a bombshell series looking into the abuse of children and vulnerable adults in the Southern Baptist Convention.
SNAP Stands in Solidarity with Nuns who have been Victimized by Clergy
Our hearts ache for the thousands of nuns who have been sexually abused and harassed by priests, bishops and other Catholic clerics. We are glad their plight is finally attracting attention but feel compelled to stress that when it comes to the Church hierarchy, awareness does not guarantee action.
SNAP Prods Alameda County DA to Investigate Oakland Diocese’s Response to Abuse Allegations
Members of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, recently wrote to Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O’Malley asking her to investigate whether or not the Oakland Diocese reported allegations that Fr. Alex Castillo sexually abused a minor to law enforcement in a timely fashion.
Three Names Added to List of Abusive Priests in the Diocese of Peoria
A diocese in Illinois added names to their list of publicly accused priests in the wake of new disclosures of credibly accused priests from other states and the hard work of journalists in Illinois.