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--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.
PA--Another lawsuit vs. Penn State SNAP responds
For immediate release: Monday, June 8
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
We applaud James Vivenzio for exposing dangerous hazing at Penn State.
http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2015/06/08/whistleblower-penn-state-ignored-frat-abuse-complaints/
NC--Victims seek help from NC group
For more information: Amy Smith 281-748-4050, watchkeepa[email protected], David Clohessy 314-566-9790 cell, [email protected]
Victims seek help from NC group
It funded and sent missionary abroad
He was fired after admitting child pornography
Self-help organization now wants “outreach” to “others who may be hurting”
IL--Prominent author, expert & ex-priest passes
For immediate release: Friday, June 5
Statement by Barbara Blaine of Chicago, president of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (312-399-4747, [email protected])
We extend our deepest sympathies to the dozens of relatives, hundreds of friends and thousands of admirers of Eugene Kennedy, who has passed away at the age of 86. Most knew him for his towering intellect, compelling speeches and gripping writing. We knew him for his generous and kind heart.
MN--“Take Catholic officials’ passports”
Statement by Frank Meuers of Plymouth, Twin Cities SNAP leader, 952-334-5180
We’re glad the Ramsey County Attorney can no longer ignore the large amount of data that has been made available from victims, survivors, and Ms. Jennifer Haselberger, a former archdiocesan employee. It shows the blatant, repeated cover up of crimes by archdiocesan officials, way beyond just the Fr. Curtis Wehmeyer case.
MO--Carlson's home diocese is criminally charged with abuse cover up
For immediate release Friday, June 5
Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, SNAP Outreach Director of SNAP, [email protected], 314-503-0003
In a rare move, the Twin Cities Catholic archdiocese – where St. Louis Archbishop Robert Carlson spent 50 years - is being criminally charged with “a disturbing institutional and systemic pattern of behavior committed by the highest levels of leadership over the course of decades,” according to a prosecutor.
MN--Twin Cities Catholic archdiocese is charged; SNAP responds
For immediate release: Friday, June 5
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 503 0003, [email protected])
We’re glad the Twin Cities archdiocese is being charged. But the credit goes to brave Minnesota victims who have stepped forward and exposed wrongdoing. Their civil lawsuits, police reports and courage has made this happen.
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