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).
Rome--Victims group blasts Vatican abuse summit
Recent cases show epidemic of child pornography and cover-up in the church
Church should be target of global response, not leading it, group says
Today, the world’s largest support group for men and women sexually abused in the Catholic Church is criticizing a Vatican summit aimed at exposing child sexual abuse on the Internet. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/05/world/europe/catholic-church-sex-abuse.html
Canada--Vatican diplomat wanted on porn charges now wanted in Canada, supervisor giving keynote at Vatican digital child protection conference, Victims respond
For immediate release, September 30, 2017
Statement by Becky Ianni, Volunteer Member of the Board of Directors and Volunteer Virginia/Washington DC Leader for SNAP, the Survivors Network, [email protected], (703) 801-6044
https://globalnews.ca/news/3775937/man-wanted-on-child-porn-charges-in-windsor-ont-now-living-in-italy-police/
This is now the second time that Msgr. Capella has been accused by civil authorities. This is the second time that the Vatican has said it will handle the issue internally. This is not acceptable, nor is it in accordance with Pope Francis’ own statements on transparency. If he is to adhere to his promises to victims, Catholics, and the public, Pope Francis must fully cooperate with civil authorities in both Canada and the United States.
WA – Lawsuit alleging Seattle Archdiocese helped sex abuser secure a public school position recently settled, victims respond
For immediate release, Thursday, September 28, 2017
Statement by Mary Dispenza of Seattle, Volunteer Member of the Board of Directors and Volunteer Seattle Leader for SNAP, the Survivors Network (425-941-6001 or 425-644-2468, [email protected])
One of two lawsuits filed against the Seattle Archdiocese has settled for $1.3 million. The other suit is ongoing. Both alleged that the Archdiocese helped a teacher secure a public school position while knowing that he had sexually abused students at Archdiocesan schools. The teacher, Edward Courtney, was on a list the Archdiocese released last year of brothers, priests, deacons and nuns who abused children in its territory.
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/crime/article174945801.html
http://www.seattlearchdiocese.org/Assets/SEP/7043_DisclosureList.pdf
(Page 9)
AL – Pastor charged with refusing to report abuse, SNAP responds
For immediate release, Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Statement by Amy Smith of Dallas, Texas, Volunteer Baptist Leader for SNAP, the Survivors Network (281-748-4050, [email protected])
Huntsville Police have arrested a Baptist pastor for failing to notify law enforcement or the Department of Human Resources after receiving a report of alleged sexual abuse. Michael Walker, a pastor at Southside Baptist Church, learned of the alleged abuse in March of 2017, but the alleged perpetrator was not arrested until last month.
News: Barbara Blaine, Founder and former president of Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, has passed away
For immediate release Sunday, September 24, 2017
Barbara Blaine, the founder and former president of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests passed away today, surrounded by her family and friends.
At this time, the family has asked that you respect their privacy until they make a statement.
Washington DC--Vatican embassy priest removed for child porn allegations
For immediate release, September 15, 2017
Statement by Barbara Dorris, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, [email protected], 314-503-0003
The crime of possession of child pornography is not a victimless crime. The children in the photos are being sexually abused. Just because this unnamed diplomat—who is a priest—has been removed to Rome, does not mean that he is still not in possession of pornographic images or may still not pose a threat to children wherever he is stationed.
Archdiocese of Santa Fe releases names of accused priests, Victims group responds
Archdiocese of Santa Fe releases names of accused priests, Victims group responds
Statement by Barbara Dorris, SNAP managing director, [email protected], 314-503-0003
IL--Daniel McCormack will remain in custody for now, SNAP responds
For immediate release Friday, September 8, 2017
Statement by Barbara Dorris, Managing Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network (314-503-0003, [email protected])
Today former Catholic priest Daniel McCormack was found by a Cook County judge to be a sexually violent person. That means that, for the present, the former priest will remain at the Illinois Department of Human Services facility for sex offenders where he has been held since he completed his prison sentence. In November the judge will decide whether Mr. McCormack will remain at the facility indefinitely or will be released to the community under strict conditions.
Report to UN Committee Slams Vatican’s Continued Failure to Protect Children from Sexual Violence
Vatican fails to submit its report; survivors and human rights group apprise committee of its lack of progress
MD--Former Maryland priest arrested
For immediate release Tuesday, August 29, 2017
Statement by Barb Dorris, Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, 314-503-0003 [email protected]
A former Savannah priest, Wayland Yoder Brown, a convicted and registered sex offender in Maryland, was arrested yesterday on nine counts of sexual misconduct with a minor. The alleged crimes took place in Jasper County, South Carolina. Brown was arrested in Maryland and will be extradited to South Carolina.
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