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).
MN--Archbishop breaking church policy on accused priest
For immediate release: Tuesday, May 19
Statement by Frank Meuers, Minnesota SNAP leader, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (952-334-5180, [email protected])
Another Twin Cities priest is accused of abuse and again, Catholic officials aren’t honoring their pledges.
http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2015/05/19/richfield-priest-on-leave-after-credible-abuse-allegations/
IL--Abuse settlements will "keep trickling in
Statement by David Clohessy of SNAP (314 566 9790, [email protected])
Another abuse and cover-up lawsuit against Chicago Catholic official has been settled.
WA--Group praises victim in new abuse settlement
Statement by Barbara Dorris of SNAP, 314 566 9790, [email protected]
PA--Ex Pittsburgh Catholic cleric sentenced for sex crimes
Statement by Judy Jones, SNAP Midwest Associate Director, USA 636-433-2511. [email protected]
A Catholic cleric, who worked in Pittsburgh, has been convicted in Australia of a string of sex offenses.
He is Marianist Brother Bernard Joseph Hartman who taught for more than a decade (1986-97) at former North Catholic High School in Pittsburgh. His church supervisors learned of Australian allegations in 1997 and sent him for treatment and reassigned to ministry.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2015/05/18/catholic-brother-australia-abuse/27518789/
IL--Four charged in Catholic School bullying case
Statement by Barbara Blaine of Chicago, President of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests
(312-399-4747, [email protected])
We're glad that four boys are being charged in a bullying case at a Chicago Catholic school. But we're disturbed that for more than a month, no one reported the alleged crime to police.
MA--700 Sundays in a row, Boston clergy abuse vigil happens
Statement by David Clohessy of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, 314 566 9790, [email protected]
This Sunday marks the 700th consecutive vigil held outside the Cathedral in Boston by an amazing group of caring individuals.
That’s no typo. They’ve been out there for 700 Sundays in a row.
WI--Milwaukee Federal judge Lynn Adelman offers to mediate church bankruptcy
Statement by Peter Isely, SNAP Midwest Director (Milwaukee) 414.429.7259
Survivors of rape and sexual assault by clergy of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee today are grateful that Milwaukee Federal Judge Lynn Adelman, in an unusual impromptu hearing today, has directly offered to mediate the deteriorating four year old Milwaukee Archdiocese bankruptcy case involving some 575 victim cases.
NY--Syracuse bishop will keep hiding predators
For immediate release: Thursday, May 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 perhaps the most disingenuous way possible, Syracuse’s Catholic bishop is keeping names of proven, admitted and credibly accused predator priests secret. He’s blaming victims for his recklessness, callousness and cowardice.
OH--New state Supreme Court ruling
For immediate release: Thursday, May 14, 2015
Statement by Barbara Blaine of Chicago, President of SNAP, Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (312-399-4747, [email protected])
We are grateful for the court’s ruling that gives those victimized in state institutions more time. For decades, Ohio archaic, predator friendly statute of limitations have protected both those who commit and conceal child sex crimes. This is a belated but welcome step forward.
IL--Ousted Priest-ducking, dodging, deflecting and distracting
For immediate release: Wednesday, May 13
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
An accused predator priest who has reportedly been permanently ousted from ministry is speaking out for the first time. And he’s ducking, dodging, deflecting and distracting.
http://www.myjournalcourier.com/news/home_top-news/153443709/Priest-breaks-silence-over-his-removal
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