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).
IN--Victims urge Notre Dame to act on predator
For immediate release: Friday, June 26
Statement by Barbra Graber, leader of SNAP Mennonite Chapter, [email protected], 540-214-8874
Officials at Notre Dame are refusing to admit widely-documented and repeated sexual misconduct by a high profile former professor who worked on campus for two decades. We call on university staff to investigate his abuse and school cover ups and reach out to his victims.
http://ncronline.org/blogs/ncr-today/why-write-story-allegations-against-john-howard-yoder
MA--Victims want Catholics to do more re 3 predators
For immediate release: Thursday, June 25
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 503 0003, [email protected])
Exactly three decade after he was suspended because of child sex crimes, the Vatican has defrocked one of Worcester’s most notorious predator priests, along with two other child molesting clerics. But local Catholic officials, who hid these decisions for at least six months, must do more.
http://www.catholicfreepress.org/local/2015/06/25/pope-laicizes-three-from-diocese/
TN--Admitted predator priest loses again
For immediate release: Thursday, June 25
Statement by Susan Vance of Knoxville, Eastern TN SNAP leader (865-927-2923, 865-748-3518 cell, [email protected])
We’re glad that an increasingly desperate and manipulative predator priest has lost in court again. We hope his relentless legal maneuvers will prod others who saw, suspected or suffered his crimes to step forward, help prosecutors, protect kids and start healing.
http://wjhl.com/2015/06/25/judge-denies-request-of-former-priest-convicted-of-rape/
PA--Victims applaud AG probe of monastery
For immediate release: Thursday, June 25
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 law enforcement are searching a Catholic institution where a serial child molesting cleric spent time. We hope current and former monastery staff and students with information about the predator will pick up the phone and call the Pennsylvania attorney general’s office immediately.
http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/8632412-74/diocese-attorney-abuse#axzz3e6io4LSN
IL-- Ex-Chicago priest arrested on sex charge
immediate release: Thursday, June 25
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])
An Orthodox pastor has just been arrested on a sex charge involving a teenager. Now, it’s time for his former church colleagues and supervisors in Chicago to take action.
http://www.wfmj.com/story/29390060/pastor-accused-of-fondling-man-in-boardman-restaurant
http://www.vindy.com/news/2015/jun/24/youngstown-pastor-faces-charge-of-sexual/
TN--Judge rules in Baptist child sex case
For immediate release: Thursday, June 25, 2015
For more information: David Clohessy of St. Louis, SNAP Director (314) 566-9790 cell, [email protected], Barbara Dorris 314-503-0003, [email protected],
Judge rules in Baptist child sex case
Group deplores secrecy by church officials
SNAP: Pastor “changed his tune” about abuse
Victims think he should be investigated & charged
Preacher “clearly filed false police report,” self-help organization says
VA--Ex-Richmond pastor found guilty of child sex crimes in Texas
For immediate release: Wednesday, June 24
Statement by Becky Ianni of Burke VA, DC area director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (703 801 6044, [email protected])
A jury has found a Richmond pastor guilty on seven counts of child sexual abuse.
The former pastor of Richmond Outreach Center, Geronimo Aguilar (a.k.a. Pastor G) was convicted by a Texas jury this afternoon. We applaud this verdict and hope it brings some comfort to Aguilar’s victims.
MN--Victims applaud ruling on predator priest
For immediate release: Wednesday, June 24
Statement by Frank Meuers, Minnesota SNAP leader, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (952-334-5180, [email protected])
We applaud Minnesota’s highest court for re-instating the conviction of a predator priest. Now, it’s up to the new head of the Twin Cities archdiocese to seek out and help others hurt by this criminal.
http://www.twincities.com/crime/ci_28373255/st-paul-priests-sex-misconduct-conviction-reinstated
http://www.mncourts.gov/opinions/sc/current/OPA120263-062415.pdf
OH--Orthodox pastor has just been arrested on a sex charge
For immediate release: Wednesday, June 24
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
An Orthodox pastor has just been arrested on a sex charge involving a teenager. Now, it’s time for his church colleagues and supervisors to take action.
http://www.vindy.com/news/2015/jun/24/youngstown-pastor-faces-charge-of-sexual/
IL--Notorious predator passes; He worked in Joliet
For immediate release: Tuesday, June 23
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
One of the nation’s most prolific predator priests – who worked in Joliet - has passed away and a victims’ group wants Catholic officials to “aggressively seek out and help” others who the priest assaulted.
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