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).
National--New acclaimed film focuses on clergy abuse crisis
For immediate release: Tuesday, Oct. 27
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
A new film about how journalists broke open the widespread Catholic abuse and cover up crisis will hit theatres next month. We urge every US bishop to order all church staff to see it, even if it means arranging special viewings at church facilities.
Canada--Convicted Orthodox archbishop defrocked; victims’ group is grateful
For immediate release: Monday, October 26, 2015
Statement by Melanie Jula Sakoda of Moraga, California, Orthodox Christian Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests ([email protected], 925-708-6175)
A Canadian archbishop criminally convicted of child sexual abuse has finally been defrocked by his synod. A support group for victims is grateful for this decision, but wants the bishops to do more.
Archbishop Seraphaim Storheim, who was once the highest ranking official in Canada for the Orthodox Church in America (OCA), was removed from the priesthood this past week, according to the Church’s website.
http://oca.org/news/headline-news/holy-synod-renders-decision-concerning-archbishop-seraphim
http://oca.org/PDF/NEWS/2015/2015-1024-canada-pastoral-letter.pdf
IL--Chicago Archdiocese falsely brags of being better on abuse
For immediate release: Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2015
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
In a shrewd public relations move, Chicago Catholic officials are claiming they dealt with clergy sex crimes and cover ups better than their Boston colleagues did years ago. They’re wrong.
http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/7/71/1034423/movie-priest-abuse
MO--Predator priest who was ousted last year is now sued again
For immediate release: Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
A serial predator priest is being sued for sexually assaulting another child. We commend this brave man for seeking justice and exposing wrongdoers. We hope his courage will prompt others who were hurt as kids by clerics to step forward.
In 2013 - 31 years after child sex abuse allegations against him first emerged - Fr. Leroy A. Valentine was “permanently remove him from active ministry.” Though archdiocesan officials have paid settlements to at least three of his victims, Fr. Valentine has apparently still not been defrocked. And we believe, but are not certain, that no one from the archdiocese has been supervising or monitoring Fr. Valentine for at least the last 12 years.
IL--Abuse victims react to Hastert plea deal
For immediate release: Thursday, Oct. 15
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
We hope that anyone hurt by Dennis Hastert will feel some consolation in this deal but we suspect that won’t happen.
www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ex-house-speaker-dennis-hastert-strikes-deal-hush-money-case-n445111
FL--Accused abusive priest put back in a parish
For immediate release: Wednesday, Oct. 14
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
A Florida bishop is putting a credibly accused abusive cleric back in a parish. We are deeply worried about the safety of the priest’s colleagues, neighbors and flock.
Rome--Another vague papal apology for sex scandals
For immediate release: Wednesday, Oct. 14
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, SNAP outreach director (314-503-0003 cell, [email protected])
Instead of stopping clergy sex scandals, Pope Francis is again asking forgiveness for them. That may be good public relations but it’s irresponsible leadership.
History, psychology and common sense show that you prevent sexual violence by harshly punishing those who enable sexual violence by ignoring or hiding it. It’s that simple.
MO--SNAP to new bishop: “We’ll consider meeting but. . .”
Oct. 9
Dear Bishop Johnson:
We are urging you to take tangible and immediate steps to safeguard the children of your diocese. Children are the most precious resource of the Church and the Church must not spend her parishioners' donations on empty gestures that do not protect children.
MN--“Minnesota bishop uses ‘unique’ dodge”
For immediate release: Wednesday, Oct. 14
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
In what may be a first-ever claim, St. Cloud’s bishop says he didn’t assign an accused predator priest to the parish where he has been working.
VA--Predator former Mega Church Pastor is sentenced
For immediate release: Monday, October 12, 2015
Statement by Becky Ianni of Burke, Virginia Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (703-801-6044, [email protected])
A former Richmond mega church pastor was sentenced to 40 years for molesting two girls in Texas.
He faced 7 felony charges for sex crimes against two young sisters.
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