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- Predator priest from Winona rises through clerical ranks
For immediate release: Monday, March 17, 2014
For more info 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
Argentine native also was ordained in and worked in Winona MN
A Catholic priest who worked in Winona and allegedly molested several boys is now second-in-command at a diocese in Paraguay. And a victims' group wants Minnesota bishops to reach out to others he has hurt and urge the Pope to intervene and defrock him.
NJ- Catholic officials want to bury predators quietly; SNAP responds
For immediate release: Monday, March 17, 2014
Statement by New Jersey SNAP leader Mark Crawford (732-632-7687, [email protected])
Once again, for clearly selfish reasons, Newark Catholic officials are taking secretive steps to reduce public attention on predator priests. Shame on them.
NY- Clergy sex abuse victims beg synod to defrock archbishop
For immediate release: Monday, March 17, 2014
For more information: Melanie Jula Sakoda (925-708-6175 cell, [email protected]), Cappy Larson ([email protected]), David Clohessy (314-566-9790 cell, [email protected])
Clergy sex abuse victims beg synod to defrock archbishop
He was Orthodox Church’s highest ranking cleric in Canada
But he was just found guilty of sexually assaulting a young boy
SNAP to church officials: “You're breaking your own abuse policy”
Members of an abuse survivors' group are urging Orthodox Church officials to defrock Canada's highest ranking archbishop who has been found guilty of molesting a child.
Rome- Victims upset about papal sainthood
For immediate release: Monday, March 17
For more information: Barbara Blaine, SNAP Founder and President +1 (312)399-4747, [email protected] and David Clohessy, SNAP Executive Director +1 (314) 566-9790 cell, [email protected]
Victims upset about papal sainthood
Several travel to Rome soon to hold vigil
Group: Honoring John Paul II "rubs salt into deep wounds"
"It also will likely encourage more church cover ups," they say
SNAP "Church must denounce, not praise, those who hurt kids”
An international support group for clergy sex abuse victims plans to hold a vigil on the eve of the canonization of Pope John Paul II.
MO- Two new abuse allegations at KC Catholic schools
For immediate release: Saturday, March 15, 2014
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
The child sex crimes and secrecy in Bishop Robert Finn's Catholic diocese of Kansas City continue as two school teachers have been recently accused of allegedly molesting students. One of them was apparently quietly removed and the teacher who replaced him is now charged with child sex crimes.
http://www.kctv5.com/story/24967392/teacher-questioned-for-allegedly-grabbing-students-breast
Rome- Survey says Pope should do more to protect kids, SNAP responds
For immediate release: Friday, March 14, 2014
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314-566-9790 cell, [email protected])
Only a quarter of respondents in a new poll say Pope Francis' is doing enough about the Catholic Church’s child sex abuse crisis. http://beaconnews.ca/blog/2014/03/pope-francis-image/
CT- Controversial ex-CT bishop's appearance is cancelled
For immediate release: Friday, March 14, 2014
Statement by Mary Caplan of New York City, SNAP Leader, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (917 439 4187, [email protected])
After criticism from outraged victims and concerned Catholics, Cardinal Edward Egan - who headed the Bridgeport diocese for years- will NOT appear at an upcoming event at Manhattan's St. Ignatius parish.
http://www.snapnetwork.org/ny_retired_cardinal_to_preside_at_special_mass_snap_responds
http://www.snapnetwork.org/ny_two_more_groups_want_cardinal_uninvited
NY- Controversial Cardinal's appearance is cancelled; SNAP responds
For immediate release: Friday, March 14, 2014
Statement by Mary Caplan of New York City, SNAP Leader, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (917 439 4187, [email protected])
After criticism from outraged victims and concerned Catholics, Cardinal Edward Egan will NOT appear at an upcoming event at Manhattan's St. Ignatius parish.
PA- Priest with abuse allegations promoted, SNAP responds
For immediate release: Friday, March 14, 2014
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
A Catholic priest who has been accused of molesting boys in Pennsylvania has been promoted to two higher positions with the church in Paraguay. We are extremely disturbed by this.
MO- Will KC Catholic diocese declare bankruptcy? SNAP responds
For immediate release: Friday, March 14, 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])
Some KC Catholics fear Bishop Robert Finn will soon seek bankruptcy protection for the diocese. We think he will and we predicted it a year ago:
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