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--Victims predict Springfield bishop’s criticism
For immediate release: Tuesday, March 10
Statement by David Clohessy of SNAP (314 566 9790, [email protected])
In his news conference today, we suspect that Springfield Bishop Thomas Paprocki will criticize our group for raising concerns about what he’ll call “old” cases.
WI--In a major victory for Milwaukee clergy abuse survivors, 7th Circuit Federal Court rules against Cardinal Timothy Dolan’s transfer of $58 million dollars
Decision rejects first amendment argument, opens the door to determine if the Vatican and Dolan constituted the trust for purposes of fraud
Statement by Peter Isely, SNAP Midwest Director (Milwaukee)
CONTACT: 414.429.7259
Or Mark Salmon, SNAP Milwaukee director 414.712.2092
In a major victory for some 575 victims of childhood rape and sexual assault by dozens of Milwaukee Roman Catholic clergy, the 7th Circuit Federal Court in Chicago ruled this afternoon in a strongly worded statement that a $58 million dollar “cemetery trust” constituted by Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York while he was Archbishop of Milwaukee is not protected by the first amendment. The ruling could have major consequences for Dolan and the Vatican, since the court can now determine if the trust was fraudulently created by him and the Vatican before the Archdiocese declared bankruptcy four years ago.
NY/WI- $58 million dollar “cemetery trust” not protected by the first amendment
In a major victory for Milwaukee clergy abuse survivors, 7th Circuit Federal Court rules against Cardinal Timothy Dolan’s transfer of $58 million dollars
Decision rejects first amendment argument, opens the door to determine if the Vatican and Dolan constituted the trust for purposes of fraud
For immediate released Monday, March 9, 2015
Statement by Peter Isely, SNAP Midwest Director (Milwaukee) 414.429.7259
MO--Victims applaud court ruling on church leafleting
For immediate release: Monday, March 9
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314-503-0003, [email protected])
A three judge panel has agreed with us that legislators were wrong to pass a law severely limiting freedom of speech near churches.
http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article13108751.html
CA--Victims challenge Presbyterians in child sex case
For immediate release: Friday, March 6
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected], [email protected])
A Santa Barbara Presbyterian church and high ranking church officials are being sued for concealing and enabling child sex crimes.
http://www.courthousenews.com/2015/03/06/socal-church-accused-of-covering-up-abuse.htm
CT--Victims say Egan was “among the worst” prelates
For immediate release: Thursday, March 5
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected], [email protected])
Cardinal Edward Egan was among the most callous, reckless and deceitful prelates ever. We hope his passing brings some comfort to the many adults who were abused as children because of his self-serving secrecy and his relentless protection of predator priests. We grieve for every single victim, witness and whistleblower who was mistreated in any way by Egan and his former top aides, whether in New York or in Bridgeport.
OR--Victims challenge Mennonite school on abuse
For immediate release: Thursday, March 5
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected], [email protected])
We applaud this brave teenager for having the strength to take action against the man who assaulted her and the school officials who enabled those crimes to happen.
AK--New church contact in probe of Kodiak school; victims’ group urges survivors to go to the police instead
For immediate release: Wednesday, March 3, 2015
Statement by Melanie Sakoda of Moraga CA, Orthodox Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (925-708-6175, [email protected])
A new contact person has been designated in the church probe of an Orthodox priest on leave from a school in Kodiak. The clergyman has been accused of abusing current and former students physically, psychologically and spiritually.
IL--Did 6 Chicago predator priests go to Springfield?
For immediate release: Thursday, March 5
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected], [email protected])
Six Chicago predator priests, who were ousted from local parishes in the 1990s, may have spent time in the Springfield are, we have learned.
WI--For victims, Milwaukee Archdiocesan bankruptcy going from bad to worse
Statement by Peter Isely, SNAP Midwest Director
CONTACT: 414.429.7259
Four years ago Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome Listecki petitioned the federal bankruptcy court for chapter 11, promising that court ordering sexual abuse cases into bankruptcy was necessary to bring “healing” and “resolution” to victims of pedophile clergy. That took cases out of state court and put them into bankruptcy court, where they decide if creditors should get paid their business debts or private companies reorganize themselves.
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