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).
South Africa- Survivors group praises decisive action of law enforcement
For immediate release: Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314-566-9790, [email protected])
Police in Pretoria acted decisively when they arrested a local priest for acting inappropriately with a child.
MO- SNAP urges caution on Catholic petition drive
For immediate release: Tuesday, Feb. 18
Statement by Judy Jones of St. Louis, Assistant Midwest Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 974 5003, [email protected])
Missouri's Catholic bishops are trying to get more tax breaks through a petition-gathering drive about schools. Citizens should think long and hard before signing.
PA- “Healing is secondary,” victims say to Penn State president
For immediate release: Monday evening, Feb. 17, 2014
Statement by Barbara Dorris of SNAP of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314-862-7688, [email protected])
Already there's talk of Penn State's new president wanting or helping to “heal” the university. That's misguided.
MN- Victims challenge Twin Cities bishops
For immediate release: Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014
For more information:
David Clohessy of St. Louis, SNAP Director (314) 566-9790 cell, [email protected]
Victims challenge Twin Cities bishops
They ousted predator priest 7-11 weeks ago
Despite promising “openness,” they told no one
He was publicly exposed yesterday for first time
And he still lives - apparently unsupervised – in the Twin Cities
Self help group blasts “continuing reckless & secrecy” of two bishops
PA- New Penn State president wants to go slow on Paterno; SNAP responds
For immediate release: Monday, Feb. 17, 2014
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
It's politically smart for the new Penn State university president to beg for patience in dealing with the legacy of Joe Paterno.
NJ- Another Catholic bishop spends a fortune on his home
For immediate release: Monday, Feb. 17
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
Shame on Archbishop John Myers. Despite claims that he's imitating Christ, Myers is spending an exorbitant amount for his own comfort, status and worldly prestige.
SD- SNAP urges lawmakers to reject SB 130
For immediate release: Monday, February 17, 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 South Dakota legislative panel will vote tomorrow on a measure that moves the state backwards and endangers kids.
MN- Releasing predators' names is not enough, SNAP says
For immediate release: Monday, Feb. 17, 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])
Recalcitrant Twin Cities church officials have been forced to finally make nine more predators' names public by a safety-conscious judge and victim. But Catholic officials must go further. They have shielded these predators for years. Now they must warn citizens and Catholics about them, not just in Minnesota but in every state they worked.
Poland- Priest arrested for sex crimes, SNAP responds
For immediate release: Monday, February 17, 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 priest in Poland has been arrested for sexually abusing children in the Caribbean.
OH- Victim of Fr. Robert Poandl speaks out
Presented by David Harper to the United States District Court,
Southern District of Ohio,
February 12, 2014
Victim Impact Statement
I cannot possibly convey the swath of destruction that lay in Robert Poandl’s wake. We all create ripple effects in the universe around us. These ripple effects can be negative, positive or something in between. I have no doubt Robert helped many people and did many good works, making positive ripple effects. His family and friends are convinced of his innocence which both he and I know is amazing. It attests to the power of faith and love. How anyone could sit through his trial and not be convinced of his guilt is remarkable; Robert certainly did not react when a jury of his peers found him guilty.