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).
UK- New Catholic archbishop of Liverpool is named, victims respond
For immediate release: Friday, March 21, 2014
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 somewhat optimistic that Bishop Malcolm McMahon will be a positive force of change for the Catholic Church.
PA- Victims blast Catholic healing mass
For immediate release: Friday, March 21, 2014
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
Philly archdiocesan officials have scheduled a “healing mass” for tomorrow at Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.
At worst, this is a cynical public relations move. At best, it misses the mark.
MO- New “religious liberty” group forms; SNAP is skeptical
For immediate release: Thursday, March 20, 2014
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 highly skeptical of this group and its goals. Over the past 25 years, we've seen laws and rules that were ostensibly adopted to “protect religious liberty” have been abused to protect clergy who commit and conceal heinous crimes against kids.
DC- Victims blast Army general's fine
For immediate release: Thursday, March 20, 2014
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 862 7688 home, 314 503 0003 cell, [email protected])
The system did NOT work. Gen. Sinclair deserved jail time. Since when does paying money get a predator “off the hook” for sex crimes?
MN- Lutheran minister admits molesting girls in WI & MN
For immediate release: Thursday, March 20, 2014
For more information: David Clohessy (314-566-9790 cell, [email protected]), Barbara Dorris (314-862-7688 home, 314-503-0003 cell, [email protected])
Lutheran minister arrested for child pornography
He admits molesting several young girls in WI & MN
A Lutheran minister has admitted – apparently for the first time, that he sexually abused children in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Yesterday, he was charged in Missouri with possession of child pornography.
OH- Catholic teachers face tough new restrictions, SNAP responds
For immediate release: Thursday, March 20, 2014
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
Cincinnati archdiocesan officials are ramping up the restriction on what Catholic teachers may say and do.
PA- Marianist brother accused of abuse in Australia spent time in Pittsburgh
For immediate release: Thursday, March 20, 2014
Statement Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314-862-7688 home, 314-503-0003 cell, [email protected])
A US Marianist brother is set to stand trial in Australia for abusing boys and girls in the 1970s and 80s. We are glad he is facing justice in Australia, but believe it is likely he abused kids in the US too.
KY/IL- Victims want 2 bishops' help with disgraced speakers
For immediate release: Thursday, March 20, 2014
For more info David Clohessy 314 566 9790, [email protected], Barbara Dorris 314 503 0003, [email protected]
Victims blast controversial speakers
SNAP objects to three prelates being honored
Each one, group says, concealed clergy sex crimes
In one case, three Catholic organizations also objected
And in that case, retired NYC Cardinal won't attend event
Two top church officials should discourage such invitations, SNAP says
Three times last week, a victims' group raised concerns about Catholic prelates who allegedly concealed child sex crimes speaking at church events, and one of those appearances was cancelled. Now the group is asking the head of the US bishops' conference to urge his colleagues to avoid similar controversies.
MS- Clergy sex abuse victims seek help from Jackson's bishop
For immediate release: Thursday, March 20, 2014
For more information: David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
Priest with child sex abuse allegations is promoted
He is accused of molesting at least four boys & was sued
But he went overseas and is second-in-command of a diocese
And at least one child sex lawsuit against him has been settled
Group wants Jackson bishop to reach out to victims & get priest defrocked
A Catholic priest who allegedly molested several boys is now second-in-command at a diocese in Paraguay. And a victims' group wants Jackson Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, who was once the cleric's supervisor, to reach out to others he has hurt and urge the Pope to intervene and defrock him.
MO- St. Charles minister arrested
For immediate release: Wednesday, March 19
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 862 7688 home, 314 503 0003 cell, [email protected])
We are very sad to learn that an O'Fallon MO minister admits child sex abuse and child porn. And we're surprised and disappointed that police are already suggesting there are no local victims.
http://www.ksdk.com/story/news/crime/2014/03/19/st-charles-county-pastor-matthew-luetke-charged-in-child-porn-investigation/6619899/
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