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).
CA--Victims back move to rescind Cosby presidential medal
For immediate release: Wednesday, July 8
Statement by Joelle Casteix of Newport Beach CA, western regional director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (949 322 7434, [email protected])
We applaud the move to rescind Bill Cosby’s presidential medal. We urge politicians of all parties and at all levels to publicly endorse this effort. It’s a no-brainer. But it’s an important move that will bring some healing to rape victims and maybe give pause even one potential rapist or give pause to those who may publicly defend accused rapists.
Oblate predators in MO & IL
FACT SHEET about credibly accused Oblate predator priests in IL & MO (7/8/2015)
Records about seven predator priests who worked in this area are being released as part of a lawsuit settlement. More litigation against their church supervisors is pending, so more information about them will be disclosed in the months ahead.
WI--Archdiocese of Milwaukee making good its "spend down" threat to prevent restitution to victims of clergy sex abuse
For immediate release: Tuesday, July 7
CA--Group praises LAPD & urges Cosby victims to “act now”
For immediate release: Tuesday, July 7
Statement by Joelle Casteix of Newport Beach CA, western regional director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (949 322 7434,[email protected])
We’re thrilled that the Los Angeles Police Department has confirmed it is investigating Bill Cosby, and we beg anyone who may have seen, suffered his crimes to come forward ASAP.
NC--Victims applaud new ruling in pedophile priest case
For immediate release: Tuesday, July 7
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 grateful a new court ruling will let a pedophile priest case move forward and we beg anyone who may have seen, suspected or suffered crimes by the cleric or cover ups by his church superiors to step forward.
http://www.wxii12.com/news/NC-Appeals-Court-allows-priest-sex-abuse-lawsuit-to-proceed/34035848
PA--Victims applaud ruling in Paterno lawsuit
For immediate release: Tuesday, July 7
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
We applaud a new court ruling that gives the NCAA a chance to respond in detail to allegations that the association acted wrongly in the Penn State case. It’s important that the NCAA have this opportunity to defend itself. It may deter other athletic programs that are disciplined in the future for refusing to put the safety of the innocent over the success of the team.
National--Victims applaud Catholic editor/survivor who discloses abuse
For immediate release: Tuesday, July 7
Statement by Barbara Blaine of Chicago, president of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (312-399-4747, [email protected])
A veteran Catholic editor is disclosing his own childhood suffering at the hands of a Catholic priest. We applaud his courage, shown not just now through his revelations but also shown through his decades of diligence exposing this continuing crisis in the church.
CA--The Cosby new revelations: Three “take aways” from SNAP
For immediate release: Monday, July 6
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 503 0003, [email protected])
Thanks to civil litigation and brave victims, more truth is finally emerging about the horrendous acts of Bill Cosby. We’re grateful a courageous woman sued him in 2005. We’re grateful to the Associated Press for seeking the truth. And we’re grateful that a judge has unsealed this damaging deposition of Cosby from that suit.
There are three “take-aways” here.
MI--Victims urge bishop to be more honest
For immediate release: Monday, July 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])
Saginaw’s bishop owes parishioners and the public more information about a just-suspended priest. We hope the local Catholic hierarchy will be more honest about the allegations against Fr. Denis Heames.
http://www.ourmidland.com/news/diocesan-priest-placed-on-administrative-leave-
of-absence/article_fb0d033a-23ff-11e5-8b96-5f26f85b24b1.html
AL--Ex-Alabama preacher arrested on child sex crimes; Victims respond
For immediate release: Friday, July 3
Statement by Amy Smith, Dallas co-leader of SNAP (281-748-4050, watchkeepa[email protected])
A former Alabama pastor who’s accused of repeatedly abusing two boys has been arrested in New Orleans.
Ryan Scott Rodgers is charged with sexual battery and seven counts of indecent behavior with juveniles. He worked at Liberty Park Baptist Church in Vestavia Hills for six years (from 2003 through 2009), According to Liberty’s pastor Scott Guffin.
http://www.al.com/news/birmingham/index.ssf/2015/07/former_vestavia_hills_youth_pa.html
http://www.theneworleansadvocate.com/sports/southern/12741975-171/police-seek-youth-pastor-who
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