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).
IL--Abuse victims react to Hastert plea deal
For immediate release: Thursday, Oct. 15
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
We hope that anyone hurt by Dennis Hastert will feel some consolation in this deal but we suspect that won’t happen.
www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ex-house-speaker-dennis-hastert-strikes-deal-hush-money-case-n445111
FL--Accused abusive priest put back in a parish
For immediate release: Wednesday, Oct. 14
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
A Florida bishop is putting a credibly accused abusive cleric back in a parish. We are deeply worried about the safety of the priest’s colleagues, neighbors and flock.
Rome--Another vague papal apology for sex scandals
For immediate release: Wednesday, Oct. 14
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, SNAP outreach director (314-503-0003 cell, [email protected])
Instead of stopping clergy sex scandals, Pope Francis is again asking forgiveness for them. That may be good public relations but it’s irresponsible leadership.
History, psychology and common sense show that you prevent sexual violence by harshly punishing those who enable sexual violence by ignoring or hiding it. It’s that simple.
MO--SNAP to new bishop: “We’ll consider meeting but. . .”
Oct. 9
Dear Bishop Johnson:
We are urging you to take tangible and immediate steps to safeguard the children of your diocese. Children are the most precious resource of the Church and the Church must not spend her parishioners' donations on empty gestures that do not protect children.
MN--“Minnesota bishop uses ‘unique’ dodge”
For immediate release: Wednesday, Oct. 14
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
In what may be a first-ever claim, St. Cloud’s bishop says he didn’t assign an accused predator priest to the parish where he has been working.
VA--Predator former Mega Church Pastor is sentenced
For immediate release: Monday, October 12, 2015
Statement by Becky Ianni of Burke, Virginia Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (703-801-6044, [email protected])
A former Richmond mega church pastor was sentenced to 40 years for molesting two girls in Texas.
He faced 7 felony charges for sex crimes against two young sisters.
National--Victims group blasts child marriage
For immediate release: Wednesday, Oct. 14
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, SNAP outreach director (314-503-0003 cell, [email protected])
Thousands of kids in the US are getting married, often to adults and with court approval, according to alarming statistics in today’s New York Times. This must stop.
CA--Victims applaud ESPN’s backing away from film re Sacrmento mayor
For immediate release: Tuesday, Oct. 13
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
We’re grateful that ESPN is distancing itself from a film that largely focuses on Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson but wish the network would have addresses the serious accusation of sexual violence against a teenager before or during the film itself.
http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/news-columns-blogs/marcos-breton/article38838423.html
Vatican--Papal spokesman denounces wrong clerics
For immediate release: Tuesday, Oct. 13
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
The top papal spokesman is “denouncing” Vatican leaks (according to the Associated Press).
http://www.newsday.com/news/world/vatican-seeks-to-end-case-of-letter-to-pope-on-family-1.10955297
NM--Two more NM predator priests are sued
For immediate release: Tuesday, Oct. 13
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
Two more New Mexico priests are accused of molesting kids. Will Catholic officials ever “come clean” and disclose these dangerous men? Or must they be sued over and over again while they live among unsuspecting families?
http://www.abqjournal.com/658968/news/suits-id-expriests-accused-of-abuse.html