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).
Rome-- "Why the recent flurry of clergy sex moves?"
For immediate release Monday, June 15
Statement by Barbara Dorris, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, 314-503-0003, [email protected]
With this recent flurry of movement on clergy sex abuse, we suspect that Francis' public relations advisors are trying hard to burnish his imagine prior to his US trip. But over the course of a long clerical career, Francis has ignored and concealed heinous crimes against kids and promoted or tolerated other clerics who are doing the same. One or two or three small steps doesn't erase decades of complicity.
MN--Why resignation? Why not removal?
For immediate release Monday, June 15
Statement by Frank Meuers, Southern Minnesota SNAP Leader, ([email protected] 952-334-5180)
Finally, more than a year and a half after the breaking of the story of widespread abuse and cover up in the St. Paul/Minneapolis Diocese, Archbishop John Neinstedt has finally resigned. This is a tiny but belated step forward.
MN--Archbishop Neinstedt resigns
For immediate release Monday, June 15
Statement by Barbara Dorris, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests
Though he has resigned, we still believe Neinstedt should be punished for enabling a predator to hurt kids.
Australia--Vatican decades late in bishop accountability, still no guarantee of any real change
For immediate release Thursday June 11, 2015
Media Statement by Nicky Davis, Leader, Australia Leader for SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests ([email protected], 0422 538 440)
Vatican--New Vatican abuse process could go either way
For immediate release: Wednesday, June 10 2015
Statement by Becky Ianni, VA/Washington DC area Leader of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (703 801 6044, [email protected])
Sound isn’t necessarily music. Motion isn’t necessarily progress. And a “process” isn’t necessarily prevention, especially if that process involves clergy sex crimes and cover ups and the Catholic hierarchy.
USA--Accused predator priests still on the job
FACT SHEET – Accused predator priests still on the job
NOTE – One of these (Bryce) is an admitted molester. One is a bishop (Bransfield). Another one (Anderson) faces three accusers. One of them Yacyshyn has been sued within the last six months and those cases are pending. One of them (Stolzman) was put back on the job three months ago.
Rome--Withhold judgment on new papal abuse panel
For immediate release: Wednesday, June 10
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314-566-9790 cell, [email protected])
The Associated Press correctly reports that “the Vatican was never known to have meted out punishment for a bishop who covered up for an abuser.” Note the word “never.” Ponder this carefully before feeling hopeful about today’s Vatican move.
Rome--Yet another church abuse panel
For immediate release: Wednesday, June 10
Statement by Barbara Blaine of Chicago, president of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (312-399-4747, [email protected])
At best, most church abuse panels have been ineffective distractions. At worst, they’ve been manipulative public relations moves We suspect this new one won’t make a difference either.
OH--Cleveland diocese ignores parishioners’ wishes; SNAP responds
For immediate release: Wednesday, June 10
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
In a troubling child porn case, Cleveland Catholic officials are writing to distraught parishioners but refusing to take their concerns seriously or address them openly.
Last week, we asked Bishop Richard Lennon to visit St. Barnabas parish. We asked him to discipline its pastor, Fr. Ralph Wiatrowski. We asked him to educate his flock about how to respond – with openness and compassion – in child sex cases.
MN--SNAP: Duluth bishop involved in disturbing St. Paul case
For immediate release: Tuesday, June 9
Statement by Verne Wagner of Duluth, Northeast MN SNAP director (218-340-1277, lwagsm[email protected])
On Friday, the St. Paul archdiocese was charged with six offenses. They stem from accusations that top church officials ignored or hid suspicions and actual reports of sexual misdeeds by a now-convicted predator priest.