Media Statements

For immediate release: Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016

Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790 cell, 314 645 5915 home, [email protected])

We applaud the brave victims and law enforcement officials who are prosecuting a child molesting Episcopalian priest and who are reminding all of us of an important lesson – even older child sex crimes and cover ups must be reported to police and prosecutors. And we beg church officials in four states to do aggressive outreach to find and help others who were assaulted by this cleric.

All too often, we all assume “it’s just too late” to pursue those who commit or conceal sexual violence. Increasingly, that’s just not true. Even in decades-old cases, more lawyers, cops and prosecutors are being increasingly creative and aggressive about going after these predators and enablers, a long-overdue move we deeply appreciate.

For immediate release: Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016

Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790cell, 314 645 5915 home, [email protected])

Bishop Edward Burns is a poor choice to head the Dallas diocese. Pope Francis continues to promote clerics who share his personal leadership style and sadly, his lack of action on children’s safety.

http://www.snapnetwork.org/ak_victims_blast_juneau_bishop_over_abuse_remarks

http://www.usccb.org/news/2016/16-026.cfm

For immediate release: Monday, Dec 12, 2016

Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790cell, 314 645 5915 home, [email protected])

A Danish priest is accused of child sex crimes. Now, his bishop must aggressively

--help law enforcement prosecute him and

--seek out and help others who saw, suspected or suffered his crimes.

http://cphpost.dk/news/danish-priest-charged-with-new-cases-of-child-sex-abuse.html

For immediate release: Monday, Dec 12, 2016

Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790cell, 314 645 5915 home, [email protected]) 

Altoona’s Catholic bishop must take strong steps now to “un-do” the harm caused when his predecessor deceitfully and quietly sent a serial predator priest across state lines. We suggest that he use newspaper and radio ads to aggressively seek out and help other victims of the child molesting cleric.

Long secret, just-released church records show that then-Bishop James Hogan gave a “glowing recommendation” as he sent a Msgr. Francis McCaa - who authorities call a “monster” who may have “molested hundreds” – to West Virginia where he worked for years among especially vulnerable families.

http://www.tribdem.com/news/umasking-of-a-monster-report-exposes-how-church-abuse-case/article_1f133dfc-bf64-11e6-b3f0-7bca5649937e.html

For immediate release: Monday, Dec 12, 2016

Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314-503-0003 cell, [email protected])

Bill Cosby is reportedly seeking a plea deal. We hope that the prosecutor leaves this decision entirely up to the entertainer’s courageous victim. And we hope she insists on a trial.

Victims’ resiliency is often underestimated. While many victims of sexual violence can’t endure the rigors of a contentious trial, more of us are capable and willing than many in law enforcement believe. We hope Andrea Constand is one of them. Thus far, she’s shown remarkable strength and poise. Regardless of the actual outcome of this case, she’s already earned the gratitude of millions.

For immediate release: Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016

Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790cell, 314 645 5915 home, [email protected])

We’re deeply grateful to the brave, strong teenager who put a child molesting clergyman behind bars and is now using a new civil lawsuit – to be filed on Monday - to expose those who essentially protected the criminal at a northern Kentucky church. And we call on church officials who are facing this new suit to act like caring shepherds, not cold-hearted CEOs.

http://www.lewiscountyherald.com/lawsuit-to-be-filed-against-vanceburg-christian-church

For immediate release: Friday, Dec. 9, 2016

Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314-503-0003 cell, [email protected])

A Catholic church volunteer has been arrested on child sexual abuse. Now Baltimore Archbishop William Lori must act. If he doesn’t other church staff and members should.

http://www.abc2news.com/news/crime-checker/baltimore-county-crime/baltimore-county-church-volunteer-charged-with-child-sex-abuse

For immediate release, December 9, 2016

Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790cell, 314 645 5915 home, [email protected])

Allentown’s bishop shouldn’t be promoted, especially not to Long Island which has suffered under a terrible bishop for years.

Just three months ago, Rockville Centre’s new bishop lied – or let one of his staff lie – to parishioners. They were told Fr. John Stephen Mraz stepped down because of “medical issues.” In fact, he’d been caught with child pornography. (He’s expected to plead guilty.)

Yet neither Bishop John O. Barres nor any of his staff were disciplined or even apologized for leading their flock.

http://www.bishop-accountability.org/news2016/09_10/2016_09_17_Matt_Call_Should_Should.htm

For immediate release, December 9, 2016

Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790cell, 314 645 5915 home, [email protected])

Nude photos of a man found on a boy's cellphone have been traced to a Raliegh North Carolina youth pastor. We are grateful to the boy’s mom and to law enforcement for quick action. Now, it’s time for church officials to step up aggressively, by reaching out to others who may have seen, suspected or suffered the cleric’s alleged crimes.

http://abc11.com/news/affidavit-mom-traced-nude-phone-photos-to-nc-pastor/1645619/

For Immediate Release, December 9, 2016

Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790cell, 314 645 5915 home, [email protected])

We’re very disappointed that DC Catholic officials have again apparently blocked reforms that would protect kids, expose predators and deter cover ups of heinous child sex crimes.

http://www.nbcwashington.com/blogs/first-read-dmv/Bill-Cosby-Accuser-Meets-With-DC-Councilmember-About-Expiring-Sex-Assault-Statute-of-Limitations-Bills-405500796.html

Police and prosecutors are underpaid and overworked. Most sex crimes aren’t reported or pursued. So thousands are assaulted by repeat offenders. Most prisons are overcrowded.