Media Statements

For immediate release: Thursday, July 23

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 glad that a sexual harassment case against an Adrian College professor is moving ahead but deeply disturbed that school administrators are again embroiled in a scandal involving a staff member. For years, we have prodded Adrian officials about an admitted predator who is still teaching at the college.  

For immediate release:  Thursday, July 23, 2015

For more information: Melanie Jula Sakoda of Moraga, California, Orthodox Christian Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests ([email protected], 925-708-6175), Cappy Larson of San Francisco, California, Orthodox Christian Director of SNAP ([email protected], 415-637-2006); David Clohessy of St. Louis, Missouri, Executive Director of SNAP ([email protected], 314-566-9790)

Victims want abusive bishop defrocked

He’s been released early from Canadian prison

SNAP to hierarchs: “Tell public where the molester is now”

Group begs officials to limit his access to kids and parishes

“You have a moral duty to disclose and warn families at risk,” victims say

A Canadian archbishop convicted of child sexual abuse has been released from prison early. A support group for victims wants church officials to defrock him, warn families about him and keep him away from parishes.

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/Archbishop-Storheim-found-guilty-of-sexually-assaulting-altar-boy-241849391.html   

For immediate release: Thrsday, July 23, 2015

For more information:

David Clohessy of St. Louis, SNAP Director (314) 566-9790 cell,  [email protected]

Victims blast Arnold church

Ex-House speaker will talk there

Controversial politician pled guilty to assault

A controversial former lawmaker who pled guilty to assault will speak at an Arnold church and an abuse victims’ group is protesting the event.   

For immediate release: Wednesday, July 23

Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])

Officials at a Canton-based church group apparently erased the name of one of their treasurers after he was arrested in Indianapolis for paying for sex with a prostitute and intimidating her.

According to the Indianapolis Star, “In a biography that has since been deleted from the group’s website, “John Robert Fiers, 53, Indianapolis, was “credited as a founding member and the treasurer-general” of the Worldwide Fellowship of Independent Christian Churches (330 354 5963).  

For immediate release: Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Statement from Cappy Larson, Orthodox Christian Director of SNAP, Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests

For more information: Cappy Larson ([email protected], 415-637-2006); David Clohessy, SNAP Director ([email protected], 314-566-9790)

“Predator” bishop still on the job

Deemed guilty by colleagues, he’s now in a parish

His superiors claims “we haven’t put him to work there”

But controversial cleric is listed on PA church’s website

SNAP sends harsh message to hierarchs now meeting in Atlanta

“Block this dangerous, deceptive and callous move,” group pleads

A Chicago bishop found guilty of sexual misconduct and forced him to retire by his colleagues is now in charge of a western Pennsylvania parish and a support group for victims wants him ousted

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-ousted-orthodox-bishop-parish-priest-met-20150716-story.html   

Victims blast sending accused priest abroad

For immediate release: Monday, July 20

Statement by Statement by Barbara Blaine of Chicago, president of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (312-399-4747, [email protected])

Toledo Catholic Bishop Daniel Thomas is sending a priest who has been accused of inappropriate acts with a child home to India. This is irresponsible. This solves nothing. In fact, this increases the chances of kids getting hurt.

http://www.toledoblade.com/Religion/2015/07/19/Leaders-say-priest-should-leave-U-S.html   

For immediate release: Friday, July 17

Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, [email protected], 314-566-9790

We’re skeptical of the just-announced so-called “listening sessions” focused on clergy sex crimes in St. Cloud. They seem more about getting good public relations and mollifying parishioners than about preventing crimes and ending cover ups (especially because in this small diocese, at least 63 Catholic clerics are publicly accused child molesters).

http://kstp.com/article/stories/s3854713.shtml

http://visitor.stcdio.org/bishop-kettler-to-hold-listening-sessions-following-abuse-allegations/  

For immediate release: Friday, July 17

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 billboard between Austin and Waco criticizes Jehovah’s Witness officials about child sex crimes and cover ups in the denomination.

We applaud the victims and concerned individuals who funded and designed it.

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2015/07/16/new-billboard-criticizes-jehovahs-witness-leadership-for-enabling-pedophiles/   

For immediate release: Friday, July 17

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])

A Catholic school teacher faces child sex abuse charges. Cardinal Donald Wuerl must step up now and aggressively seek out anyone else who may have seen, suspected or suffered his crimes.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/catholic-school-teacher-charged-with-touching-two-teenage-students/2015/07/17/8a245b52-2c95-11e5-a5ea-cf74396e59ec_story.html  

For immediate release: Thursday, July 16

Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 503 0003, [email protected])

A suspended, twice-accused predator priest is now a therapist. Shame on Catholic officials in Camden and Philadelphia for doing almost nothing to protect kids from him and warn parents about him.

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20150716_Despite_allegations__ex-priest_thrives_as_family_therapist.html