For immediate release:
Thursday, February 26, 2004

SNAP To Hold Washington, D.C. Press Conferences Friday, February 27th

What:
Holding signs, clergy molestation victims will discuss a first-ever nationwide self-survey of bishops on the sexual abuse crisis, and assess what happens next.

When & Where:
Friday, February 27, Washington D.C.
· 8:45 AM - The National Press Club, 529 14th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. (Edward Morrow Room).
· 1:15 PM – J.W. Marriott Hotel, 1331 Pennsylvania Ave. (next door to the National Press Club), Dirksen Room, Mezzanine Level.

Who:
Six clergy abuse survivors, including two men from New Jersey and Missouri who have been sued for slander by their abusers, both still pastors in active ministry today. The victims belong to SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, the nation's largest self-help group for clergy molestation victims

Details:
Since most dioceses have released some data already, SNAP leaders will highlight ongoing shortcomings and will suggest improvements to the bishops’ handling of abuse within the church.

More:
Later on Friday, the group will also:
· hold a silent vigil outside Catholic University of America at 5:45 PM. (carrying flowers, candles, and large photos of clergy abuse victims who have committed suicide)
· attend a Catholic University Town Hall meeting on the scandal at 8 PM

SNAP, a nation-wide support group, was founded in 1988 in Chicago. It now has more than 4,600 members in virtually every state, and monthly support group meetings in 54 cities. Statements from SNAP leaders & updates will be available on the group's website, SNAPnetwork.org, throughout the day Friday and Saturday.

CONTACT
David Clohessy of St. Louis MO, National Director (314) 566 9790 cell
Barbara Blaine of Chicago IL, President (312) 399 4747 cell
Mark Serrano of Leesburg VA, Board Member (703) 771 9606, (703) 727 4940 cell
Peter Isely of Milwaukee WI, Board Member (414) 429 7259 cell
Mary Grant of Long Beach CA, Board Member (626) 419 2930
David Cerulli of New York NY, Board Member (917) 757 1791 cell
Barbara Dorris of St. Louis (314) 862 7688

- 30 -