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).
Cardinal Pell was Aware of Abuse Says Royal Commission
According to reports from Australia’s royal commission into child sexual abuse, what has been suspected by many has been confirmed to be true – Australia’s highest ranking Catholic official was aware of cases of sexual abuse happening within the country and took no action to stop the crimes from occurring. This is yet another disturbing example of the Australian church’s inability to take action to protect children and we hope it will lead to immediate and drastic change.
Monsignor from Archdiocese of San Antonio Removed due to Allegations of Abuse, SNAP Responds
A monsignor from the Archdiocese of San Antonio was removed due to multiple allegations that he abused both children and adult parishioners. We applaud the brave survivors for coming forward and exposing this man’s behavior and call on local church officials to pull out the stops in spreading the information and encouraging other survivors to come forward and make a report to police.
SNAP Sends Letter to Diocese of Raleigh Requesting Updates
SNAP leadership in North Carolina has sent a letter to church officials today, demanding updates be made to their list of accused priests that will better inform the community and help survivors.
Abusive Deacon in New Jersey Released from Prison
A deacon from New Jersey who was convicted and jailed in 2017 for sexually abusing a minor was released on May 5th , perhaps because of COVID-19. Now that this dangerous man is back on the streets we call on the Catholic officials who educated, trained, and ordained him to take extra steps to warn the community about him.
Cincinnati Auxiliary Bishop Resigns over Handling of Abuse Case, SNAP Responds
A high ranking church official in Cincinnati has resigned his post following public outrage over the archdiocese’s handling of a sexually abusive priest. We are glad that this bishop has stepped down but are concerned that this resignation will do little to address systemic issues within the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.
Judge’s Recusal in New Orleans is an Example Church Officials Should Follow
A federal judge in Louisiana has recused herself from a case involving sex abuse and the local Archdiocese due to her previous ties to the institution. This is the correct move and we praise the judge for her integrity. Now it is time for Catholic officials to display similar values.
SNAP Draws Attention to Unregulated Facilities Housing Abusive Priests
According to representatives from Missouri’s top law enforcement office, facilities in Missouri where abusive priests are sent to live lack oversight from the attorney general due to statutory limitations. Now, we are calling on Missouri’s elected officials to address this gap with legislation that would allow attorneys general the ability to oversee and investigate facilities that purport to house abusive priests.
Canadian Man Files Suit Alleging Abuse at Hands of Catholic Bishop, SNAP Responds
A man from the Yukon has filed a lawsuit alleging that he was abused as a teenager by a Catholic bishop from the Diocese of Whitehorse. We applaud this brave survivor for coming forward and hope that his story will encourage others who may be suffering in silence to speak out, make a report to police, and start healing.
Diocese of New Orleans Declares Bankruptcy, SNAP Responds
Church officials in New Orleans have decided to declare bankruptcy, a move that is less about protecting assets and more about protecting secrets.