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).
SD--Victims want bishop to help on abuse
For immediate release: Monday, April 11, 2016
For more information: David Clohessy (314) 566-9790 cell, [email protected], Barbara Dorris (314) 503 0003, [email protected]
Victims urge bishop to act on abuse
Group wants “outreach” about SD predator
He was just sued for child sex crimes in Texas
But he’s an SD native and worked here too
A support group for clergy sex abuse victims is urging South Dakota Catholic officials to “aggressively reach out” to victims of a recently-sued predator priest.
Last month, Fr. Milton “Milty” Eggerling was accused for the first time in Texas sex abuse and cover-up lawsuit. In it, the victim charges that Eggerling lured him with special treatment, gifts of money, and outings before sexually abusing him. The abuse, which took place in the 1970s, began when the boy was 11 years old.
The lawsuit also says that Austin, Texas, church officials—including the bishop—knew or should have known about the abuse and did little to nothing to stop it. http://www.mystatesman.com/news/news/crime-law/lawsuit-filed-against-austin-catholic-diocese-over/nqjjG/
IN--Victims want priest disciplined for defending accused molester
For immediate release: Monday, April 11, 2016
For more information: David Clohessy 314 566 9790, 314 645 5915 home, [email protected], Barbara Dorris 314 503 0003 cell, [email protected]
Notre Dame prof publicly discounts abuse allegations
Survivors urge his superior to denounce “this hurtful move”
University head should discipline the cleric, support group says
SNAP: “President should also use this opportunity to educate the rest of his staff”
PA--Victims urge US Attny: No consent decree with church
For immediate release: Saturday, April 9, 2016
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, 314 645 5915 home, [email protected])
We urge a US attorney to NOT enter into any “consent decrees” with church officials and we applaud him for considering RICO charges against them.
IN--Priest’s damning suicide note is revealed; Victims respond
For immediate release: Friday, April 8, 2016
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, 314 645 5915 home, [email protected])
A suicide note strongly suggests that a high profile accused predator priest who worked at Notre Dame is guilty of child sex crimes.
http://www.snapnetwork.org/in_accused_notre_dame_predator_priest_commits_suicide_victims_respond
MO--Victims blast KC bishop over more "healing" events
CA--Cardinal Mahony removed from event; Victims respond
For immediate release: Friday, April 8, 2016
Statement by Joelle Casteix of Orange County, SNAP volunteer western regional director, 949 322 7434, [email protected]
We are glad that an archbishop is forcing his corrupt predecessor to withdraw from a church service. And we are deeply grateful to concerned parishioners who are speaking out against honoring a prelate who ignored and concealed heinous sex crimes against kids.
MD--Reform of child sex bill fails; Victims respond
For immediate release: Friday, April 8, 2016
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, 314 645 5915 home, [email protected])
It’s heartbreaking that a Maryland legislator has been betrayed three times, first by a pedophile, then by a predator-friendly justice system and now by his timid colleagues.
We commend Maryland Delegate C.T. Wilson (D-Charles) for his courage and compassion. We are very sad that his hard, brave work to help protect the vulnerable and heal the wounded has ended in vain, at least for now.
We’re even more sad because more Maryland children will be hurt in the months and years ahead because lawmakers won’t stand up to the self-serving lobbying efforts of corrupt Catholic officials and enable more child sex abuse victims to expose child molesters in court.
GA--Victims blast “misleading comments” by Atlanta archbishop
For immediate release: Friday, April 8, 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])
Atlanta’s top Catholic official is misleading his flock instead of protecting it.
He refuses to post predator priests’ names on church websites. He’s making deceptive claims about his dealings with pedophiles. And despite repeated pledges to be “open” about predator priests, he’s refusing to answer questions about six of them who were “outed” for abuse elsewhere but worked or spent time in his archdiocese.
Two days ago, in response to questions from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) Archbishop Wilton Gregory claimed “Our archdiocese has one of the most stringent safe environment policies in the country, including zero tolerance for abuse.” We challenge him to prove this. We strongly believe this isn’t true.
IL--Ex-Chicago pastor beaten while molesting boy in TX
For immediate release: Friday, April 8, 2016
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, 314 645 5915 home, [email protected])
A former Chicago minister who was attacked last week by bystanders while molesting a child, has been charged with child sex crimes and is accused of abusing three boys.
He is Rev. Willie Lee Bell Jr., who was a youth pastor at New Covenant M.B. Church in Chicago from 2009 to 2014. He is also CEO of WILBE Productions, LLC in Chicago. He also reportedly worked in Jackson, Tennessee from 2008 to 2010.
https://www.facebook.com/thewillbell/about?section=education&pnref=about
OK--Museum should remove D. Hastert honors
For immediate release: Friday, April 8, 2016
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, 314 645 5915 home,[email protected])
The Stillwater-based Wrestling Hall of Fame must now remove all references to and honors of Dennis Hastert, the ex-House speaker. Continuing to treat Hastert as a role model or even a celebrity hurts victims of sexual violence and deters them from reporting predators.
Hastert has pled guilty to financial misdeeds. He is accused of lying to law enforcement and molested at least four boys. And this week, he’s minimizing his wrong-doing with a vague and self-serving “apology” while refusing to “come clean” about how widespread and long-standing his crimes.
http://nwhof.org/stillwater/hall-of-fame/#type=hof&honoree=327
Months ago, a number of other institutions removed honors and mentions of Hastert:
http://www.snapnetwork.org/dc_victims_call_for_removal_of_hastert_s_portrait_in_congress
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