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).
Catholic Laity in Wisconsin Stand Up for Transparency in Cases of Clergy Abuse
Hundreds of graduates from four Catholic schools in Wisconsin signed a joint letter to a local religious order, demanding answers and actions following a recent article that detailed one man’s struggle with clergy abuse that ultimately culminated in suicide. We applaud these men and women for using their voices to fight for truth and transparency and hope that their example inspires lay Catholics around the country.
University of Colorado Removes Honors from Accused Priest
Following an updated report on clergy sexual abuse from Colorado’s attorney general, the University of Colorado revoked an honorary degree it had bestowed on a Catholic priest that the report revealed had multiple allegations against him. We applaud this move and hope that other institutions follow suit for any wrongdoers that they have honored.
Report into Harm in Care released in New Zealand, SNAP Responds
We are stunned to read in the recently released report from the New Zealand Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care of Faith-Based Institutions, that up to 256,000 children, young people, and adults at risk were abused physically and/or sexually in faith-based and state-run institutions across the country from the 1960s to early 2000s. Almost 40% of all those who were housed in New Zealand institutions during that period were abused.
SNAP Reacts as Entire Second Circuit Recuses Itself from Case against the Diocese of Shreveport
In an unprecedented and baffling move, all nine justices of Louisiana’s Second Circuit court have recused themselves from a case against the Diocese of Shreveport. We hope that this decision does not slow down the plaintiff's march towards healing and justice and we call on the justices involved to explain their decisions publicly.
Prominent Priest in Massachusetts Indicted on Rape Charges, SNAP Calls for Outreach
Last March, a Catholic priest from the Diocese of Fall River who had delivered the homily at the funeral of the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy was placed on leave. Today that man has been indicted on multiple charges including rape, assault of a child under 14, and witness intimidation. We are grateful that the police and prosecutors were not intimidated by the cleric's connections and instead worked diligently to obtain this indictment. Now, we call on Diocesan officials in Fall River to use every resource at their disposal to ensure parents and parishioners are aware of the allegations so that other, possibly hidden, victims can be encouraged to come forward.
SNAP Applauds Sentencing of Conroe Priest and Demand Answers from Archdiocese
Clergy abuse survivors and supporters from SNAP gathered today at the sentencing of an abusive priest from Conroe, TX to show support for victims of clergy abuse and ensure that parishioners and the public are better informed about the extent of clergy abuse in Houston.
Baptist Pastor in Florida Arrested on Child Porn Charges
A Baptist pastor in Florida has been arrested on multiple counts of possessing child pornography and two counts of “promoting sexual performance of a child.” Given this man’s prominent position in his local faith community, we are concerned that there may be more victims and hope that the news of this arrest will encourage survivors and witnesses to come forward to local law enforcement.
Oral Argument in a Civil Suit against the Japanese Catholic Church to Be Heard on Tuesday
The first oral argument in a lawsuit filed against the Catholic Church in Japan will be heard on Tuesday, December 15, 2020, at 10 AM in the Sendai District Court. We sincerely hope that the plaintiff’s position will be heard and upheld by the judge.
Archdiocese of Vancouver Releases Updated Report on Scope of Clergy Abuse
Last November, church officials in Vancouver released a report on the extent of clergy sexual abuse in their archdiocese. Now, they are releasing an updated report that includes information on the steps that church officials have taken since 2019 as well as information regarding newly-reported abusers.
Diocese of Oakland Settles with Victim of Abusive Priest
Catholic officials from the Diocese of Oakland have settled a lawsuit with a former seminarian who was sexually abused by a priest. The clergyman remains on leave and is still receiving his paycheck. We hope that this story encourages others who were hurt by clergy in Oakland to come forward, make a report to the police, and start healing.