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).
The Diocese of Syracuse Releases a List of Accused Priests, SNAP Responds
For immediate release, December 3 2018
Today, the Diocese of Syracuse in New York released a list of 57 priests that had been accused of abuse. We are grateful church officials in Syracuse have taken this first step and we hope that they will continue to take action to prevent future cases of abuse and to bring justice for past cases.
Waukesha judge orders Pewaukee priest to stand trial for felony child sex abuse
CONTACT: Peter Isely, SNAP Founding Member (414.429.7259, [email protected])
A Waukesha County judge this morning has determined that there is sufficient evidence for Fr. Charles Hanel to stand trial for felony sexual assault of a child. Hanel was arrested in September for sexually abusing a 13-year-old girl in the confessional. The alleged assault took place at Queen of Apostles Church in Pewaukee where Hanel is pastor.
Cardinal Slated to Plan a Summit on Abuse has been Accused of Ignoring Abuse Himself
A respected and credible Catholic news source reports that "one of the organizers appointed by Pope Francis to plan a February summit at the Vatican on sexual abuse has been accused of covering up abuse in his own archdiocese in India."
Texas Rangers Raid Diocesan Offices in Houston, SNAP Responds
We applaud Texas law enforcement officials for raiding the “secret archives” of the Houston Catholic archdiocese. All too often, police and prosecutors pursue child molesting clerics but ignore the church supervisors and co-workers who hide their crimes.
Priest from the Diocese of Steubenville to be Jailed for 12 Years, SNAP Responds
For immediate release: November 27, 2018
A priest from the Diocese of Steubenville pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual battery for grooming and impregnating a teenaged parishioner. Father Henry Christopher Foxhaven was sentenced to 12 years in prison for his crimes and will be required to register as a sex offender.
Catholic Priest Accused of Sexual Misconduct to Appear in Court
An Ohio priest who has been accused of sexual assault of a minor is due in court today. Hopefully Fr. Henry Christopher Foxhoven, who admitted to getting a young girl pregnant, will be given a long jail sentence. This is the only way to deter this kind of abuse from happening again.
Peoria Priest Removed for the Second Time, SNAP Responds
For the second time, a Peoria priest has been suspended from ministry. And despite repeated promises to be “transparent,” his bishop is being unclear about the reason for this action.
After New Revelations from CBS, Cardinal DiNardo Must Resign
Another media investigation has added more evidence that the head of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is unfit for his role. The new report alleges that the Cardinal mishandled claims of sexual abuse against priests under his purview in two additional cases. We believe that he should resign his post immediately.
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