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).
MO - Catholic bishop appeals to MO Supreme Court
No names of pedophile priests will be turned over today
For immediate release: Monday, Jan. 13, 2014
For more information: David Clohessy of St. Louis, SNAP Director (314) 566-9790 cell, [email protected]
IRE - Victims applaud N.I. abuse inquiry
For immediate release Monday, January 13, 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 formal governmental inquiry into child sex crimes and maltreatments at Northern Ireland institutions – many run by Catholic organizations – begins today.
http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/jan/13/care-home-abuse-inquiry-northern-ireland
Our hearts break for these thousands of brave victims of child molesting clerics, many of whom suffered years of abuse at the hands of those entrusted with their care. Several hundred will offer testimony. We suspect that many more cannot or will not because they continue to struggle and suffer today.
MN - Catholic officials want more secrecy; SNAP responds
For immediate release: Monday, Jan. 13, 2013
Statement by Frank Meuers, Minnesota SNAP leader, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (952-334-5180, frankameuers@gmail.com)
Minnesota Catholic officials want a judge to give them a break and slow down the forced disclosure of names of priests who are accused of abuse. That’s irresponsible.
Any such delay would endanger kids. These accused priests have already been protected and hidden and transferred for decades. No good comes from further delay.
SNAP responds to new Catholic cardinals
For immediate release: Sunday, Jan. 12, 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 grateful that Pope Francis named none of the eligible U.S. archbishops (Chaput of Philadelphia, Vigneron of Detroit, and Lori of Baltimore) as a new cardinal.
Rome--Vatican again protects a predator
For immediate release: Friday, Jan. 10
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])
Today, there’s yet another clear sign ththat nothing’s changing in the Catholic hierarchy: Vatican officials are refusing to extradite a credibly accused child molesting church official.
Pope Francis can ride buses, carry luggage, charm reporters and be humble all he wants. If he wants to stop kids from being raped and sodomized, however, he must act. He must reverse the centuries-old practice of Vatican officials protecting other Catholic officials from law enforcement. And he’s not a young man. He should start now.
NY - Christian school in Bronx sued for abuse
For immediate release: Friday, Jan. 9, 2014
For more information: David Clohessy of St. Louis, SNAP Director (314) 566-9790 cell,[email protected] <[email protected]>
A brave you woman is suing New Covenant Christian School in the Bronx for the child sexual abuse she suffered there.
http://blogs.villagevoice.com/runninscared/2014/01/new_christian_covenant_school_abuse_suit.php
We applaud Shannon Young for having the courage to step forward and reveal the abuse she suffered at the hands of Edward Mills, a teacher at New Covenant Christian School and for having the wisdom to work within the judicial system. Because of her lawsuit, filed on Monday in State Supreme court in the Bronx, the community will be warned about Mills and can take steps to protect the children.
MO - Archbishop loses at appeal court
Archbishop loses at appeals court
Victim is “a step closer” to getting 115 accused predators’ names
For immediate release: Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014
For more information: David Clohessy of St. Louis, SNAP Director (314) 566-9790 cell, [email protected]
KY - Victims question whether offender should be attorney
For immediate release: Thursday, January 9, 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 convicted child sex offender wants to become an attorney.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/01/05/sex-offender-looks-to-gain-admission-to-kentucky-bar/
We should think long and hard before giving positions of power and prestige to convicted child sex offenders. Adults who sexually exploit kids often also exploit their job titles and professional status to gain access to vulnerable families and hurt children.
IL - To Chicago Priests
Dear Chicago priest:
By now, you’ve seen a letter that Cardinal George wants you to give your flock this weekend. Please ask yourself this question: “Does that letter help protect the vulnerable?”
It does not.
And ask yourself: “Does that letter help heal the wounded, expose wrongdoers or deter wrongdoing?”
Again, it does not.
The letter burnishes your boss’ image. It misleads people. It causes complacency. Because it is self-serving and deceptive, it rubs salt into the already-deep and often still-fresh wounds of suffering victims and betrayed Catholics.
MO--Victim asks second court to sanction archbishop
Victim asks second court to sanction archbishop
His emergency writ appeal is “frivolous,” she says
For immediate release: Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014
For more information: David Clohessy of St. Louis, SNAP Director (314) 566-9790 cell, [email protected]