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 Attorney Claims Sex Abuse Victims Are Trying to “Eliminate the Archdiocese” by Seeking Justice for Sexual Abuse and Cover-ups
In the latest display of arrogance and ignorance, an attorney representing the Catholic Church claims that the men and women who are suing the Archdiocese of Santa Fe for sexual abuse and cover-ups are trying to “eliminate the Archdiocese.” It is beyond offensive that an institution that allowed children to be preyed upon is trying to play the victim. We believe that Archdiocesan officials must forcefully disavow these insensitive comments from their lawyer.
A Lawsuit Against Portsmouth Abbey Shows Abuse Scandal Is Still Thriving and Catholic Officials Are Still Protecting Themselves Instead Of Victims
A Catholic school in Rhode Island is being sued by a young woman who accuses a teacher of sexually abusing her from 2012 to 2014. This story is yet another example that the abuse scandal continues to be a major problem in the Church, one that requires secular oversight and intervention to solve.
SNAP Believes Allegations of Abuse Against South Carolina Bishop Should be Investigated by Secular Authorities
A Catholic bishop from South Carolina who was accused of sexual abuse in a civil lawsuit claimed today that he has been “cleared” by the Vatican. However, we believe that allegations should be investigated by secular authorities before anyone can make a public pronouncement of guilt or innocence.
While Retired Archbishop Chaput Criticizes President-Elect Biden, SNAP Renews Call for Federal Investigation
Recently retired Archbishop Charles Chaput is a pot calling the kettle black when he criticizes President-electJoseph Biden as being “scandalous.” After all, Archbishop Chaput knows a thing or two about being scandalous.
SNAP Urges the FBI to Launch a Federal Investigation into the Archdiocese of New Orleans
Two days ago, Archbishop Gregory Aymond named a deceased priest, Rev. Robert Cooper, as the 73rd cleric on his ever-growing list of clergymen accused of molesting children. The Archbishop also suspended Fr. J. Luis Fernandez and Fr. Joseph deWater from ministry pending further investigation into allegations of child sexual abuse.
Clergy Abuse Victim’s Story Shows Clear Need for AG Intervention in Wisconsin
Yesterday, the Green Bay Press Gazette released a detailed and well-researched account of clergy abuse survivor Nate Lindstrom. Nate was sexually abused as a teenager by three Norbertine priests from the St. Norbert Abbey in De Pere, Wisconsin. Although the abuse he endured was never formally recognized by the church, Nate received monthly payments from the St. Norbert Abbey for over ten years specifically to cover treatment costs. The payments suddenly stopped in May 2019. On March 9th, 2020, Nate died by suicide.
Delaware Catholic Priest Arrested for Child Porn, SNAP Calls for Outreach
A Delaware Catholic priest who frequently traveled overseas has been arrested for possessing child pornography. We call on his superiors to ensure that parents and parishioners at every location at which the cleric worked are notified and that anyone with information about these crimes or any others are encouraged to come forward and report to the police.
The Connection between Archbishop Gregory Aymond and St. John Vianney Prep
I am a proud graduate of St. John Prep’s final graduating class of 1985. My high school alma mater closed, we were told, because not enough boys pursued higher education after graduation to become priests. At least that is what then-Archbishop Phillip Hannan stated to us and the public. But was that the only reason? Today, Archbishop Aymond named deceased Rev. Robert Cooper as the 73rd cleric to the ever growing list of credibly accused clergymen. Fr. Luis Fernandez and Fr. Joseph deWater were suspended from ministry pending further investigation. Cooper and Fernandez served with Aymond at St. John Prep in the mid-1970’s.
Brisbee Abuse Case Underscores Need to Eliminate Clergy Penitent Privilege
A disturbing case of child sexual abuse and cover-up in Tucson is drawing attention to the need to reform laws to ensure that cases of abuse are reported quickly so that children can be protected and authorities can intervene in abusive situations.
SNAP Demands Discipline for Pueblo Bishop Following Revelations in Colorado’s Updated Special Master Report
According to an investigation undertaken by Colorado’s attorney general, the Catholic Diocese of Pueblo was aware of an allegation of sexual abuse against one of its monsignors and yet chose not to report it to police until two weeks after the monsignor died. To us, this appears to be a brazen attempt to avoid scandal and punishment and we call on Pope Francis to intervene in this situation and immediately remove the prelate who allowed this to happen.