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).
MN--Archbishop to hold “town hall” meeting; SNAP responds
For immediate release: Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015
Statement by Frank Meuers of Plymouth MN, SNAP director Southern Minnesota (952-334-5180, [email protected])
The temporary head of the Twin Cities archdiocese is holding a meeting to talk about a permanent head of the archdiocese. In our view, the top priority is finding an archbishop who hasn’t and isn’t hiding child sex crimes. That will be tough.
MO--Victims blast KC archbishop over new disclosure
For immediate release: Tuesday, Sept. 29
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
“Credible allegations” of child sex abuse have surfaced against a deceased Kansas City area priest.
Contradicting Pope Francis, archbishop fights for secrecy
For immediate release: Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2015
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
Less than 48 hours after Pope Francis said “those who have covered up (abuse) are guilty,” the Philadelphia Inquirer has disclosed that Archbishop Charles Chaput is quietly working to keep secrets about a pedophile priest.
Francis made strong promises, including that “abuse cannot be kept secret any longer” and “all responsible will be held accountable."
Chaput apparently disagrees.
Pope Francis admits cover up; SNAP responds
For immediate release: Monday, Sept. 28
Statement by Barbara Blaine of Chicago, SNAP president (312-399-4747, [email protected])
After 30 years of public scandal in the US over predator priests and complicit bishops, finally a Catholic official is admitting that “princes of the church” covered up heinous crimes. But he fell short of admitting something even worse: that these cover ups continue even now.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/29/world/europe/pope-francis-sexual-abuse.html?_r=1
Did Pope Francis ever take a single step to protect a child?
For immediate release: Sunday, Sept. 27
Statement by Becky Ianni of Virginia, SNAP Virginia State leader (703-801-6044 cell, [email protected])
The AP reports that including incest victims in the papal meeting today is an effort to “redirect the discussion.”
We hope that’s not true. If true, that’s incredibly cynical. It’s pathetic when wrongdoers claim “someone else is even worse.” It was hurtful to victims and Catholics alike when Francis said this in 2010.
http://www.bishop-accountability.org/news5/2013_04_Pope_Francis_In_My_Diocese.htm
Another “feel good, do nothing” papal meeting with survivors
For immediate release: Sunday, Sept. 27
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
Is a child anywhere on earth safer now that a pope, for maybe the seventh or eighth time or ninth time, has briefly chatted with abuse victims? No.
A smart public relations move. That’s what this meeting is. Nothing more.
PA--A third disgraced prelate spends time with Francis
For immediate release: Saturday, September 26, 2015
Statement by Barbara Blaine of Chicago, SNAP president (312-399-4747, [email protected])
Today, Pope Francis con-celebrated mass with the disgraced former head of the Philadelphia archdiocese, Cardinal Justin Rigali. The other day, Francis brought with him to the White House the disgraced former head of the Los Angeles archdiocese, Cardinal Roger Mahony.
http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2015/09/22/controversial-la-cardinal-to-travel-with-pope-francis-for-dc-trip/
PA--Allentown Catholic officials beat abuse victim in court
For immediate release: Friday, Sept. 25
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
Allentown Catholic officials won a court ruling today in a child predator case.
Another appalling papal comment on abuse crisis
For immediate release: Friday, Sept. 25
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
Twice in two days, Pope Francis has made vague and brief references to the on-going abuse and cover up crisis, mentioning the pain of church staff but not the pain of abused children and betrayed parishioners. He refuses to even call the scandal by its name.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/25/nyregion/pope-francis-new-york-city-visit.html
http://www.kerngoldenempire.com/news/pope-francis-offers-prayers-after-hajj-tragedy
NY--Pope to address UN, despite Vatican non-compliance with treaties on Torture, Rights of the Child
For immediate release: Friday, Sept. 25
For more information: Barbara Blaine (312 399 4747, [email protected]), Joelle Casteix (949 322 7434, [email protected]), Peter Isely (414 429 7259, [email protected]), Barbara Dorris (314 503 0003, [email protected]), David Clohessy (314 566 9790, [email protected])
Pope speaks to UN but rebuffs UN treaties
Two UN committees investigated church cover-ups
Both issued reports last year harshly blasting Vatican
Experts made dozens of prevention recommendations
But Francis refuses to adopt them and turn over evidence
View the complete UN committee reports here: http://ccrjustice.org/home/what-we-do/our-cases/snap-v-pope-et-al
Members of SNAP and the Center for Constitutional Rights will be available for in-person comment and interviews from 11 am to 2 pm at CCR’s offices: 666 Broadway, 7th floor, NYC, 212-614-6464, or at the contact numbers above.