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).
Many Victims Falling through the CVA Cracks in New York
A report out of New York State is drawing attention to the hundreds of victims of sexual violence who have been unable to take advantage of the Child Victims Act. We hope that this story will encourage other attorneys to step into the arena and use their training and expertise to give voice to the voiceless and help prevent future cases of sexual violence.
Diocese of Rockville Centre Declares Bankruptcy
Another Catholic diocese in New York is choosing to declare bankruptcy. This is a move designed less to protect assets and more to protect secrets and prevent the public from getting the full truth about the scope of clergy abuse within its borders.
Former Michigan Catholic Priest Charged With Sexual Abuse Thanks to AG
A Catholic priest who spent time in Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois was arrested today on charges related to sexually abusing a minor. This is the latest example of how empowering survivors to come forward and make a report to law enforcement can help protect other children and get dangerous abusers off the street. We applaud the work done by the Michigan attorney general and her team and hope this news encourages others to come forward and make their own reports.
Gonzaga Awarded Grant to Host Conference on Sex Abuse Scandal
Yet another Catholic university has been awarded a grant to host a conference related to the clergy sex abuse scandal. We hope that in the two years they have to plan this conference that the organizers will ensure that it centers on the voices of survivors and focuses on prevention.
SNAP Applauds as State Representatives in Michigan Introduce Legislation Aimed at Empowering Survivors
State legislators in Michigan have introduced a reform bill aimed at changing the state’s archaic statute of limitations laws so that more survivors will be empowered to come forward, name their abuser, and protect other children and communities. We applaud this effort and hope it receives the bi-partisan support it needs to succeed.
Two Religious Order Brothers, One a Former Principal, Sued for Child Sexual Abuse
Two religious order brothers who worked at a New Orleans high school in the 1980s have been accused of molesting a student in a recently filed lawsuit. Both have been previously convicted of child molestation for unrelated conduct in St. Tammany Parish. We applaud these brave victims for coming forward and hope that their example inspires others who may have been hurt to come forward and start healing.
Lawsuit Alleges Catholic Principal Was Fired for Reporting Abuse
A new lawsuit alleges that a Catholic school principal lost his job after reporting inappropriate behavior by a local priest. We applaud this principal for doing the right thing and hope that he is able to have his day in court.
Archbishop Cordileone Is Out of Bounds with COVID Criticisms
Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco recently went public with criticisms on how the COVID-19 pandemic is being handled in California. We believe Archbishop Cordileone should focus less on how COVID is being handled by the state and more on how cases of clergy sexual abuse and cover-up are handled within his Archdiocese.
Boarding School in Missouri under Investigation Following Allegations of Child Abuse and Neglect
We applaud the decision by law enforcement officials in Missouri to open an investigation into the Circle of Hope Girls’ Ranch. We know that the best way to get to the bottom of cases of abuse in religious institutions is for those claims to be probed by police and punished by prosecutors.
Statement from SNAP New Orleans Regarding Bar Date
Clergy sex abuse survivors have no choice but to accept the Sept 17th decision of Federal Bankruptcy Judge Meredith Grabill in setting March 1, 2021 as the date by which victims of abuse in the Archdiocese of New Orleans must come forward or lose their rights. Judge Grabill disregarded U.S. Trustee Amanda George’s recommendation of a March 31st bar date.