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).
Belgium--Victims urge Francis to oust Brussels archbishop
For immediate release: Wednesday, May 6
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
Today, Archbishop André-Joseph Leonard of Brussels is obligated to submit his resignation to Pope Francis. We hope he does so immediately and we hope Pope Francis accepts it immediately.
MO--Accusations of cover up at North Co. Church; SNAP responds
For immediate release: Wednesday, May 6
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
A North County mega-church pastor is suing church members who say he did little or nothing to act on suspicions of child sex abuse by a now-imprisoned sex offender who worked at the church. Shame on the pastor and his top aides for lashing out at, and trying to intimidate, caring whistleblowers.
KY--Victims plead with new bishop: Warn your flock!
For immediate release: Wednesday, May 6
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
Today is Lexington Bishop John Stowe’s first day in his new job. What could be more pressing than the safety of kids?
We call on him to immediately warn his flock about two local predator priests and to permanently post all child molesting clerics’ names on his diocesan website.
OR--Victims ask: Where’s Portland predator now?
Victims ask: Where’s Portland predator now?
Secret records about child molesting cleric released
More than $5 million paid to victims of Catholic friar
His church supervisors claim he was “restricted & monitored”
But news reports show that he traveled far & organized events
SNAP to archbishop: “Aggressively seek out others he may have hurt”
A victims group is urging Portland Catholic officials to disclose where a credibly accused predator priest is now living. He is in the news again because last week, his long-secret personnel file was made public.
IL--Springfield bishop pays predator priest's lawyer
For immediate release: Monday, May 4
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
Springfield’s Catholic bishop is using church funds to pay the legal fees for a credibly accused and permanently removed predator priest.
MO--Victims want KC priest disciplined for defending Finn
For immediate release: Monday, May 4
Statement by David Tate of Kansas City, leader of SNAP, Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests ([email protected])
In a stunningly callous letter to his parishioners, a Kansas City pastor is misleading Catholics, re-victimizing adults and endangering kids by deceptively defending a convicted bishop and attacking the motives of those who feel betrayed by him.
IL--Priest exploits woman; SNAP responds
For immediate release: Sunday, May 3
Statement by Barbara Blaine of Chicago, president of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (312-399-4747, [email protected])
A Chicago priest has been suspended for allegedly sexually exploiting an adult woman. We call on Catholic officials to provide more details about these accusations and to prod others who may have seen, suspected or suffered his misdeeds to come forward.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-father-brendan-curran-met-20150503-story.html
NY--Dolan quietly removes abusive priest; SNAP responds
For immediate release: Sunday, May 3
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
Trying to avoid bad publicity, NYC Cardinal Timothy Dolan has quietly suspended a priest accused of abusing a teenaged parishioner and giving him money to buy drugs.
http://www.recordonline.com/article/20150502/NEWS/150509868/101008
KY-- Nun, priest & archdiocese named in abuse case; SNAP responds
For immediate release: Friday, May 1
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 child sex abuse and cover up lawsuit has been filed against a priest, a nun and the Louisville archdiocese.
http://www.wchstv.com/template/inews_wire/wires.regional.ky/323cd09d-wchstv.com.shtml#.VUPXWSFVhBd
FL--Orthodox educator is sentenced
For immediate release: Friday, May 1, 2015
Statement by Melanie Jula Sakoda of Moraga, California, Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP), SNAP Orthodox Director (925-708-6175, [email protected])
An Orthodox educator from Florida was sentenced yesterday to ten years in prison as the result of a plea deal. The sentence will be followed by ten years’ probation and life time registry as a sex offender.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/courts/criminal/judge-sentences-ex-principal-to-10-years-for-sex-assault/2227724
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