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).
Ex-PSU President Sees Conviction Overturned
We are disappointed that the child endangerment conviction of ex-Penn State president Graham Spanier has been overturned and we hope prosecutors will re-try him.
SNAP Reacts to News that Central Valley District Attorneys will Audit Fresno Diocese
We are heartened to read that the district attorneys of at least seven counties will work together to ensure the audit of the Diocese of Fresno and its “secret archives” is complete and transparent. Civil oversight by secular professionals in law enforcement is the best way to protect children and get to the truth of institutional abuse scandals.
Statement by Janet Klinger of SNAP New York
As victims, we are tired of being turned away by Bishop John Barres. As parishioners, you deserve the same answers we seek. Only then can we protect children.
Settlement Reached in Duluth, MN
We are glad that the legal issues in the Diocese of Duluth, MN are resolved but hope other Catholic bishops avoid the temptation to seek Chapter 11 protection. This process almost inevitably helps complicit church officials keep a lid on their wrongdoing.
SNAP Wants Vigil for Accused Priest Canceled
Abuse group wants event cancelled
Vigil is planned tonight for accused priest
“That intimidates other victims,” organization says
SNAP: Bishop should tell his flock to “stay home tonight”
SNAP Reacts to the Release of Names of Accused Clerics in the Diocese of Sacramento
The Diocese of Sacramento has finally released its list of clergy “credibly accused” of sexually abusing children. There are 62 names on the list, including at least 25 that, as far as we can tell, have never been publicly identified before:
Lawyer Calls Survivors “Pigs at the Trough,” SNAP Responds
An attorney for an accused California priest took his chance to disparage every survivor of child sexual abuse by calling them “damaged” and “people with unsuccessful lives who want to feel important.” He argued that the Diocese of Fresno’s call for reports of abuse is like “inviting the pigs to line up at the trough for whatever their needs are.”
NJ School District Cannot Fire Former Priest Who Impregnated Young Girl
For immediate Release: April 29, 2019
We are absolutely appalled that an ex-clergyman who got a teen pregnant must be given back his job at a middle school. We call on state and Church officials to do all they can to stop this dangerous move.
West Virginia Diocese Fights Case on Technicalities, not Merits
West Virginia Catholic officials are doing what Catholic officials have done for decades: claiming they cannot be sued for clergy sex crimes and cover ups. In a twist, this time the action was not filed by a victim, but rather the state’s top law enforcement officer.
Admitted Abusive Priest with ties to Chicago arrested in East Timor
For immediate Release: April 29, 2019
A priest from a Chicago-based Catholic group has been arrested for molesting little girls in East Timor, one of the poorest countries on earth. We hope Catholic officials in Chicago will mount an aggressive outreach drive so that he might also be charged here.