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-priest accused in PA grand jury report denies allegations, survivors’ group reacts
Yesterday, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette published a lengthy article about a former priest in the Diocese of Erie who disputes what is reported about him in the Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report. SNAP, the oldest and largest support group for survivors of clergy abuse, takes strong issue with the priest’s denial that he abused anyone.
Archdiocese of Los Angeles Adds 54 Names to its List of Accused Priests
For immediate release: December 6, 2018
Today, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles updated their list of priests accused of sexual misconduct against children and vulnerable adults. We’re grateful that the Archdiocese has made these disclosures, but dismayed that reports of sexual violence continue to be handled in-house.
Archdiocese of Mobile Releases Names of Accused Priests
For immediate release, December 6 2018
Today, the Archdioceses of Mobile, AL released a list of 29 priests who have served in their diocese and been accused of child abuse. We are grateful for this development and urge further action.
Releasing these names publicly is crucial not only for the healing of survivors, but also to encourage victims who may be suffering in silence to come forward and to deter future clergy sex crimes and cover-ups. However, releasing these names is only the first step on the path towards healing and deterrence.
Jesuits to Release Names of Abusive Clerics, SNAP Responds
According to reports, US Jesuit provinces will begin to release the names of proven, admitted and "credibly accused" child molesting clerics tomorrow.
Priest from Cincinnati Arrested in the Philippines for Abusing at Least 50 Children, SNAP Responds
For immediate release: December 5, 2018
An Ohio priest has just been arrested overseas for abusing as many as 50 boys in the Philippines. It is urgent that his Catholic supervisors now do aggressive outreach to find others who might have seen, suspected or suffered his crimes.
Jesuits to Release Names of Abusive Clerics, SNAP Responds
According to reports, several US Jesuit regions will reportedly release the names of proven, admitted and credibly accused child molesting clerics tomorrow.
Priest Imprisoned in Nebraska Named in Wheeling List of Accused Priests, SNAP Pushes Nebraska Church Officials for Action
Newly-released records show that a Catholic priest was imprisoned for abusing a Nebraska child, but he has never been “outed” before, as best we can tell. Fr. Paul J. Schwarten spent 18 months in jail for “inappropriate touching of a minor,” according to the Diocese of Wheeling, WV. The disclosure was made last week when Archbishop William Lori released a list of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of minors as it pertains to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.
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