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).
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.
MO- Whistleblowers ask Pope to discipline Bishop Finn
For immediate release: Saturday, Feb. 15, 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])
A Catholic priest, nun and parishioners have filed formal charges with the church headquarters in Rome against Kansas City Bishop Robert Finn for his illegal and hurtful recklessness, callousness and deceit in the horrific case of a serial predator priest.
MN- Archbishop reverses himself & tries again to block disclosures
For immediate release: Friday, Feb. 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])
St. Paul Archbishop John Nienstedt is inflicting emotional whiplash on abuse victims and concerned Catholics.
IL- Lawsuit alleges negligence by church officials, SNAP responds
For immediate release: Friday, February 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])
Two lawsuits against a church volunteer for child sexual abuse also claim that officials at Willow Creek Community Church were negligent.
MO- Catholic officials lose 2 court rulings
For immediate release: Thursday, February 13, 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])
Over the past two weeks, St. Louis Catholic officials have lost important court rulings in two similar but unrelated wrongful death lawsuits stemming from alleged clergy sex crimes.
SC- Bob Jones victims should call police, group says
For immediate release: Friday, February 14, 2014
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314-862-7688 home, 314-503-0003 cell, [email protected])
We are glad talks are resuming between Bob Jones University officials and GRACE, the non-profit that is looking at sex crimes at the school.
IL- Child molesting deacon charged, SNAP responds
For immediate release: Thursday, February 13, 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])
We are grateful a serial child molesting deacon at Fairview Heights' First Baptist Church has been caught and charged. But it's disingenuous for the minister to distance himself from the offender and call the offender a member instead of a deacon.
Poland- SNAP applauds Polish Catholic Church for creating child sex abuse procedure
For immediate release: Thursday, February 13, 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])
We are encouraged that the Catholic Church in Poland is publishing procedures for child sex abuse. This is a good first step that many churches across the globe have already enacted.
MN- Victims respond to St. Paul Catholic $$$ disclosure
For immediate release Thursday, February 13, 2014
Statement by Frank Meuers of Plymouth MN, leader of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (952-334-5180, [email protected])
The Archdiocese of Minneapolis admits to having spent $8.8 million over the past decade on costs related to clergy misconduct. We suspect this is misleading. We suspect the real figure is significantly higher.
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