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).
AR--Arkansas clergy sexual exploitation suit filed; SNAP responds
For immediate release: Wednesday, April 29
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 862 7688 home, 314 503 0003 cell, SNAPdorris@gmail.com)
A civil lawsuit has been filed against a Little Rock minister accusing him of sexually exploiting an adult congregant. We applaud this brave woman and are confident that her speaking out will prod others who were hurt by this minister to step forward and get help.
MT--Next step in MT clergy sex scandal-"real outreach"
Statement by SNAP leader Jeb Barrett of Denver (abused in Montana) 720-608-8532, [email protected]
Now that Montana citizens and Catholics know the names of child molesting Catholic clerics, real outreach should begin.
We beg every adult who cares about kids to circulate this list far and wide. Adults should ask their loved ones “Did any one of these priests or nuns ever hurt you?” If so, victims should be warmly supported and gently urged to call law enforcement.
CA--More LA clergy sex abuse/cover-up files to be released tonight
Statement by Joelle Casteix of Newport Beach, SNAP Western Regional Director, [email protected], (949) 322-7434
While we are pleased and relieved that the last of the clergy sex abuse and cover-up documents from Los Angeles will finally be publicly released tonight, we cannot help but help but believe that—in this case—justice delayed may be justice denied.
PA--Two Philly clergy sex cases settle; SNAP responds
For immediate release: Wednesday, April 29
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 862 7688 home, 314 503 0003 cell, SNAPdorris@gmail.com)
Child sex abuse and cover up lawsuits have settled involving two Philly priests. The question now is: What will Archbishop Charles Chaput and his top aides to do warn parishioners, parents and the public about them?
PA- Victims say “Send Msgr. Lynn back to prison”
For immediate release: Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 503 0003 cell, [email protected])
We believe Msgr. William Lynn should go back to prison because it’s just and the best way to deter others who may conceal.
MN--Parents, police, parishioners and the public deserve to know
FL--Victims prod bishop to act re soon-to-be-freed predator
For immediate release: Wednesday, April 28
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 convicted child predator, church volunteer and Eucharistic minister is due to be released from prison early next month. For the safety of children, Fort Myers area Catholic officials must take steps to warn parents and parishioners about him.
http://www.nbc-2.com/story/26604928/diocese-of-venice-hit-with-5m-sex-abuse-lawsuit#.VSaBD_nF8_w
ME--Orthodox priest is sentenced
For immediate release: Tuesday, April 28, 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 priest from Maine, who was found guilty of child sexual abuse for the second time in March, was sentenced today to six and a half years in prison and 3 years probation. He will also be required to register as a sex offender for life.
MO--Archbishop does interviews in KC; SNAP responds
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 503 0003 cell, [email protected])
The new head of the Kansas City MO Catholic diocese, in his first interviews since taking the reins is talking about fundraising, low-balling expectations, and equating the suffering of abuse victims and church staff.
http://kcur.org/post/archbishop-joseph-naumann-looks-heal-raise-funds-kansas-city-st-joseph-diocese
PA--State Supreme Court reverses reversal of Msgr. Lynn's conviction
For immediate release: Monday, April 27
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, 314 566 9790, , [email protected]
We are grateful the Pennsylvania Supreme Court reversed the reversal of Monsignor Lynn’s conviction.
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