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).
After Almost a Year, the Public Deserves Answers on Accused Priest
Almost a year ago, a New Jersey priest accused of sexual abuse voluntarily stepped down from ministry, but so far Newark church officials have neither resolved the case or updated parishioners and the public. It is time for Archbishop John Tobin to provide answers.
Announcing SNAP Nigeria
We are pleased to announce the opening of a new SNAP chapter in Nigeria!
Vatican Waives Immunity for Archbishop Accused of Abuse
The Vatican has apparently waived diplomatic immunity for a French archbishop accused of abuse. We are encouraged by this move and long for the day such cooperation with law enforcement is an everyday procedure for church officials.
SNAP Calls for Alexander Acosta to Resign for His Role in the Jeffrey Epstein Scandal
According to a federal judge, the U.S. Secretary of Labor broke the law when arranging for a much-derided plea deal with a billionaire accused of abuse. Today we join the chorus of those calling for the resignation of Secretary Alexander Acosta due to his mishandling of the Jeffrey Epstein case. If children are to be safe from sexual violence, those who help minimize these crimes must be punished, not promoted.
Fr. Jack Baker Arrested in Michigan, SNAP Applauds AG Investigation
For the sixth time in three months, Michigan’s top law enforcement professional has charged a priest with child sex crimes. She predicts more arrests will be made before her investigation is completed.
Southern Baptist Preacher Pleads Guilty to Assault, SNAP responds
A Southern Baptist preacher who once headed the home church of President Bill Clinton has pled guilty to misdemeanor assault 11 years after a denominational panel substantiated allegations of sexual abuse against him but did not report it the police.
Wrongdoing will Thrive when Wrongdoers are Promoted
Why does wrongdoing thrive in the Catholic hierarchy? Here’s the answer in a nutshell.
New Information Comes to Light about Bishop Michael Bransfield
A deeper dive by journalists into the West Virginia church sex and finances scandal reveals even more corruption than previously known. In light of this new and disturbing information, we call on every one of the 500 clerics who got checks from West Virginia’s bishop to return that money to West Virginia Catholics, and we call on law enforcement officials – in the state and elsewhere – to look more vigorously and skeptically at church funds.
Another Name Added to Diocese of Dallas’ List of Accused Priests
The Diocese of Dallas has added another name to its list of clerics accused of child sexual abuse. We call on church officials in Dallas to explain two key facts to the public about this case: first, when did the accusations against Fr. Peter Barusseau surface, and when were they deemed “credible” by church officials?
Priest on Administrative Leave for Abuse Allegations Allowed to Quietly Retire, SNAP Responds
A priest who faces at least three child sex abuse allegations was allowed to quietly retire. This kind of move flies in the face of church officials’ repeated promises to be open and transparent in cases of clergy abuse. We call on Toledo Catholic officials to go public with the results of their internal “investigation” into the allegations against Fr. Nelson Beaver as soon as it is completed.
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