PA - Chaput removes priest in Philadelphia, SNAP responds
Archbishop Chaput has placed Fr. Michael Chapman on leave from ministry after receiving more allegations against the priest in May of 2012.
In the announcement today from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, a spokesman claimed that “Father Chapman had never actually returned to active public ministry, did not have access to children and was not residing in a parish at any time since the May 4th announcement." Farrell said.
It's disingenuous and misleading for Philly church officials to claim Fr. Chapman didn't have access to kids. Unless they'd put him in a remote, secure treatment facility, he did in fact - and likely still does in fact - have access to kids. It's just wrong for church officials to pretend they effectively monitor suspended and credibly accused child molesting clerics 24/7.
We hope that Archbishop Chaput does more than the bare minimum by releasing this press statement. He should go to every single parish where Fr. Chapman worked and seek out victims and witnesses. To do any less is inexcusable.
Winter Appeal 2023
To our friends,
2023 has been a long year with many ups and downs for us all. As we close out the year, we at SNAP hope that you are feeling like you are on your way to being healthy, fulfilled, and happy. This past year has brought both successes and challenges. Thanks to the support you have shown in the past, we’ve been able to celebrate the good days and weather the stormy ones. Now, we are once again asking for your support as we work to support survivors new and old as we ‘Move SNAP Forward.’
At SNAP we are proud to have hosted a very well-attended conference in August 2023. This event allowed us to gather friends, survivors, advocates, and allies for a weekend of camaraderie and connection. We were so happy to be able to welcome many first-time attendees to gather in person and are already looking forward to the next conference.
To strengthen our movement for justice, healing, and prevention, SNAP will be expanding our peer support and providing more volunteer opportunities in the coming year. Through this great work, we are ensuring survivor voices are represented as we work for significant change that will benefit children and survivors.
Right now, survivors worldwide are getting the help they need from SNAP, and more and more reach out to us daily, but we need your help to keep those programs going and get our volunteers the training they need to thrive.
Your tax-deductible gift to SNAP can help offset the cost of our important mission. If you are not in a position to contribute, you can still support us by sharing this letter with those who can. As we continue to fight for survivors across the globe, your donation or sharing the great work SNAP does will help us continue our work to protect the vulnerable, heal the wounded, and prevent abuse.
Your donation ensures SNAP will be there for those who need us more than ever!
Warmly,
Michael W. McDonnell, C.P.S.
Interim Executive Director
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