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).
Pope Lashes Out at Survivors as Abuse Summit is Set to Begin
As Cardinals and Bishops from across the world gather for Pope Francis’s much-anticipated abuse summit, the tone at the start of the meeting has left survivors and advocates feeling minimized once again.
Keep Cardinal McCarrick in Kansas, SNAP Says
Though former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick has been defrocked, we hope - for the safety of children and vulnerable adults – that Catholic officials in Kansas will keep him at the friary where he has been living.
Newark Archdiocese Refuses to Reveal Whereabouts of Abusive Clerics
We’re both encouraged and worried to learn that “Four (accused abusers) are being monitored by the Newark Archdiocese under unclear circumstances.” Children are safest when predators are jailed. If that’s not possible, then predators should be publicly exposed and closely monitored, ideally in remote, secure, independently-run facilities under the supervision of secular professionals.
Former Bishop in New York Accused of Sexually Abusing Minors
Another U.S. Catholic bishop has been accused of child sexual abuse, this time on Long Island. Today, two women have come forward to accuse Bishop John McGann, formerly of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, of sexually abusing them as children.
Colorado Attorney General Announces Investigation into Clergy Sex Abuse
Colorado’s top law enforcement official has announced that he is opening an investigation into clergy sex abuse and cover-ups in his state.
SNAP Reacts to the Release of Names of Accused Clerics in the Diocese of Oakland
For immediate release: February 18, 2019
The Diocese of Oakland has finally released its list of clergy and religious brothers “credibly accused” of sexually abusing children. There are 45 names on the list, including at least 5 clerics who have never been publicly identified before: Thomas Duong Binh-Minh, Hilary Cooper, Patrick Finnegan, Daniel McLeod and Virendra Coutts.
More Names Hidden in Chicago, SNAP Responds
Less than a week before the international summit he is slated to lead, Chicago’s top Catholic official is facing new questions about his knowledge and handling of three “credibly” accused priests in his Archdiocese.
Child Victims Act Signed into Law, SNAP Responds
For immediate release, February 14, 2019
The much-needed and greatly anticipated Child Victims Act was signed into law today in New York.
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