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).
MO--Another child sex suit vs. archdiocese; SNAP blasts secrecy
Canada--Victims urge CA authorities to nab predator priest
For immediate release: Friday, Aug. 7
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
A predator priest who is wanted in Canada walks free today in Malta. We hope Canadian authorities will move quickly to apprehend him before he disappears.
MA--Victims applaud DOC probe into predator priest pix
For immediate release: Friday, Aug. 7, 2015
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
Shame on everyone involved in the effort to sell photos of Boston’s most notorious predator priest. We hope the Department of Correction’s investigation will be swift but thorough. And we hope the wrongdoers will be caught and harshly punished.
MN--SNAP: “Real numbers in Catholic church scandal are much higher”
For immediate release: Friday, Aug. 7
Statement by Frank Meuers, Minnesota SNAP leader, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (952-334-5180, [email protected])
About 407 abuse victims of Twin Cities child molesting Catholic clerics have stepped forward in just a few months. Now, there’s a risk that the extent of the abuse and cover up crisis will be understated.
MO--Another child sex suit vs. archdiocese; SNAP blasts secrecy
For immediate release: Friday, Aug. 7
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 503 0003, [email protected])
“Openness and transparency.” That’s what Archbishop Robert Carlson keeps promising. But he keeps breaking this promise.
Argentina--Victims blast new Catholic abuse policy in Argentina
For immediate release: Thursday, Aug. 6
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected], [email protected])
Argentine Catholic officials today released a new church policy on child sexual abuse. At best, it’s irrelevant. At worst, it’s deceptive.
Why? Because there will be no enforcement. There never is.
http://www.pagina12.com.ar/diario/sociedad/3-278747-2015-08-06.html
DE--Victims applaud DE AG for pursuing Jehovah’s Witnesses
For immediate release: Thursday, Aug. 6
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
We’re thrilled that Delaware officials are prosecuting church staff who claim they have no duty to report known or suspected child sex crimes to police.
IL--Chicago archbishop delays announcing allegation
For immediate release: Wednesday, Aug. 5
Statement by Barbara Blaine of Chicago, president of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (312-399-4747, [email protected])
Chicago’s archbishop kept quiet for more than a week about child pornography allegations against a priest.
Police are investigating possible child sex images on the computer of Fr. Octavio Munoz Capetillo, pastor of St. Pancratius in the Brighton Park neighborhood. Archbishop Blasé Cupich apparently suspended Fr. Capetillo on 8/27 but made no public announcement until 8/3.
CA--Victims praise ruling on Catholic abuse records
Chile--Controversial Chilean cleric is quietly sent away
For immediate release: Tuesday, Aug. 4
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
Catholic officials have quietly sent to another country a priest who admits facilitating illegal adoptions. Shame on them. http://www.koat.com/national/adoption-scandal-priest-leaves-chile/34408920
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