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).
Mexico- Complicit Cardinal named to new Vatican council, SNAP responds
For immediate release: March 10, 2014
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, national director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790 cell, 314 645 5915 home)
Mexico City’s corrupt Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera is one of 15 individuals named to Pope Francis' new “Council for the Economy.” We are disappointed in this choice.
Aussie- Victims blast Cardinal Pell's comments as “disingenuous”
For immediate release: Monday, March 10, 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])
In a savvy public relations move before he testifies to a government panel, Cardinal George Pell now conveniently claims he's OK with Catholic officials being sued when they ignore or conceal clergy sex crimes. He's being disingenuous.
NY- Cardinal Dolan feels church is “picked on”; SNAP responds
For immediate release: Monday, March 10, 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])
On Meet the Press today, Cardinal Tim Dolan shamelessly whined that Catholics “are being picked on” about child sex crimes, trying to pretend that somehow, the church's largely corrupt hierarchy is the real victim in the on-going, horrific Catholic clergy sex abuse and cover up crisis. Shame on him.
NY- Camp Counter-Sues Parents of Molested Child for Defamation
For immediate release: Monday, March 10, 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])
A World of Discovery Day Camp employee was found guilty of sexually molesting a 12-year old boy. But camp officials are now suing the parents of the victimized boy for defamation.
MO- Former principle charged with sexual abuse
For immediate release: Friday, March 7, 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 former principal of a Collinsville Christian Academy has been charged with attempted sexual assault. We want school officials to aggressively reach out to any other victims.
NC- Pastor accused of sexual assault, SNAP responds
For immediate release: Friday, March 7, 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])
A North Carolina pastor, who was working in South Carolina, has been accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl. He is already listed on the sexual offender registry in North Carolina. We are disturbed that a registered sex offender was allowed to work as the pastor of a church.
NY- Charges dropped vs. clergy sex whistleblower; SNAP responds
For immediate release: Friday, March 7, 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 are thrilled but not surprised at a Brooklyn prosecutor's decision to drop charges against a whistleblower in a clergy sex abuse case.
Canada- Victims blast Catholic officials' apology
For immediate release: Friday, March 07, 2014
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
Church abuse apologies are virtually meaningless. Whether long or short, clear or vague, prompt or delayed, they don't protect a single child, expose a single predator or uncover a single cover up.
LA- Victims seek bishop's help
For immediate release: Friday, March 7, 2014
For more information: David Clohessy of St. Louis, SNAP Director (314) 566-9790 cell, [email protected]
Victims seek bishop's help
Predator priest was sued twice for abuse
He allegedly sexually assaulted two kids in Louisiana
Group wants Catholic officials to reach out to victims
“Prelates should warn unsuspecting families about him,” SNAP says
A now retired priest was sued twice for molesting kids in Louisiana was “outed” in Florida last week.
NY- Female Catholic teacher rapes boy; SNAP responds
For immediate release: Friday, March 7, 2014
Statement by Mary Caplan of New York City, SNAP Leader, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (917 439 4187, [email protected])
A female Catholic school religion teacher in the New York Archdiocese has pled guilty to raping a boy. Now, archdiocesan staff, under Cardinal Tim Dolan, must launch an aggressive public drive to find others who may have seen, suspected or suffered her crimes. And authorities must treat this criminal just like a male sex offender, with no special treatment.
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