Media Statements

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.

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.

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]

For immediate release:  Wednesday, Jan. 8, 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])

The SC Supreme Court has ruled that a clergy sex abuse and cover ups case –involving two victims and their mother – can proceed.

http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20140108/PC16/140109480/1005/priest-sex-abuse-suit-can-go-to-trial-sc-supreme-court-rules

We are grateful to these brave victims and their mother for having the strength to seek justice and the patience to endure long delays and harsh defenses by Catholic officials.

For immediate release Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])

Soon, Pope Francis will name new cardinals. We suspect that each of his choices will be men who are hiding records that are protecting child molesting clerics and are endangering innocent children. 

http://davidgibson.religionnews.com/2014/01/06/pope-francis-pick-new-cardinals-put-stamp-succession/

Pope Francis should be demoting archbishops, not promoting them. Until at least a few top Catholic officials are disciplined and denounced for concealing child sex crimes, top Catholic officials will keep concealing child sex crimes.

For immediate release: Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014

Statement by Barbara Blaine, President of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (312 399 4747,[email protected])

It's distasteful to see Chicago's top Catholic official plays the "blame game" about a serial pedophile priest, Fr. Daniel McCormack, who severely hurt perhaps dozens of innocent childrenbut would have been stopped much sooner if only Cardinal Francis George and his staff hadn't covered up.

http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Chicago-Catholics-to-See-Letter-on-Abuse-This-Sunday-239117041.html

First, George blames his deceased predecessor.

Then he blames nameless "people" who might have "been more wary.”

For immediate release: Tuesday, January 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])

As the embattled and controversial Legion of Christ picks new leaders, some question whether it's reforming or not. It's a dreadfully premature and naive question.

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/legion-christ-critical-juncture-21449858

Until the Legion takes clear, proven steps that protect kids and "out" wrongdoers, this question shouldn't even be asked.

For immediate release: Monday, January 6, 2013

Statement by Barbara Dorris, SNAP Outreach Director, 314-503-0003 [email protected]

First, Archbishop Charles Chaput paid for Msgr. William Lynn's lawyer. Then he bailed out Lynn. Now, he's giving Lynn housing.

http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2014/01/06/msgr-william-lynn-begins-confinement-at-a-lawncrest-parish-house/

How many kids must a cleric endanger before Catholic officials stop supporting him? Chaput should be defrocking, not helping, Msgr. Lynn.

For immediate release: Monday, January 6, 2013

Statement by Barbara Dorris, SNAP Outreach Director, 314-503-0003 [email protected]

We are grateful that Rev. Johnnie Winnell of Kanawha County has admitted molesting a girl and will likely be imprisoned. That's the best way to protect kids - locking up child predators

http://www.wsaz.com/news/charlestonnews/headlines/Charleston-Pastor-Faces-Prison-Time-in-Sexual-Abuse-Case-238884371.html

We are also grateful to the brave girl and her family. It's crucial that victims find the courage and strength to call police and cooperate with prosecutors.

For immediate release: Monday, January 6, 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 member of the Swiss Guard says that he was fondled by a high ranking Catholic official in Rome and that cardinals, bishops and other clergy made sexual advances towards him roughly two dozen times.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2534513/Former-member-Swiss-Guard-says-regularly-asked-sex-gay-lobby-bishops-cardinals-priests-serving-Vatican.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490

We’re saddened but not surprised by this. We feel sorry for this man and the abuse and harassment he had to endure. And we are grateful he’s joined the tens of thousands of brave victims who are exposing the corruption in the Catholic hierarchy.