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).
MO--New head of KC diocese should act on 2 priests
For immediate release: Friday, April 24
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, 314 566 9790, [email protected]
Two priests who molested in Kansas City MO are now still priests living or working elsewhere, unsupervised, among unsuspecting families. The new temporary head of the Kansas City diocese should act now to warn others about them.
CA -- New evidence surfaces against controversial SF priest; SNAP responds
For immediate release: Thursday, April 23
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
Once again Bay Area Catholics learn about serious charges against a priest only through the news media, not from their alleged “shepherds.”
Star of the Sea parishioners have apparently learned via news reports that their pastor, Fr. Joseph Illo, was essentially deemed guilty of intimidating a young alleged victim of a predator priest.
WV -- Mormon hearing televised today
For immediate release: Wednesday, April 22, 2014
For more information: David Clohessy of St. Louis, SNAP Director (314) 566-9790 cell, [email protected]
Court hearing today to be streamed live
It can be watched on-line, starting at 10 a.m.
Case is “virtually unprecedented,” group says
Mormons persuaded judge to give predator a lawyer
And half of his attorney fees are to be paid by abuse victims
National support group blasts that arrangement as “an outrage”
It’s begging those who “saw, suspected or suffered Mormon crimes” to “speak up”
MO--KC bishop is ousted-a tiny step forward
For immediate release: Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, director of SNAP, Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
Finally, more than two years after his conviction, Bishop Robert Finn has been ousted. This is a tiny but belated step forward.
IL- Cardinal George of Chicago passed away; SNAP responds
For immediate release April 17, 2015
Statement by Barbara Blaine of Chicago, SNAP President and Founder - [email protected]; 312-455-1499 (office), 312-399-4747 (cell)
We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Chicago's Catholics and everyone grieving the loss of Cardinal George, including the many members and supporters of SNAP who are faithful Catholics who relied on George for guidance and prayer.
http://abc7chicago.com/religion/francis-cardinal-george-dies-after-cancer-battle/666252/
WA--Victims blast Spokane priest "innocence" claim
For immediate release Friday April 17, 2015
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]
Today, in Spokane the acting head of the diocese, the Rev. Michael Savelesky, announced that he was restoring a suspended and accused, several times, predator priest back to ministry. While several charges against Rev. Joseph Weitensteiner, the former director of Morning Star Boys Ranch, were taken to trial others were investigate outside of the courts in secret by an individual, hand-picked by the bishop. No details were given about the unusual and untested process (Did the panel interview the accuser? How many other people did the panel talk with?) SNAP wants diocesan officials to be more forthcoming about the procedure he used in this case and others.
GA--Victims abused as “missionary kids” meet in Atlanta
For immediate release: Thursday, April 16, 2015
For more information: Rich Darr cell phone: 815 370 4703, [email protected]
Abuse victims to hold meeting in Atlanta
“Missionary kids” were molested overseas
Their parents proselytized in developing nations
Children were put in ill-prepared boarding homes
Adults who were sexually, physically and emotionally abused overseas in Christian settings are holding an international conference this weekend (Apr 17-19) in Atlanta, GA.
MO--Abuse lawsuits vs. 2 St. Louis priests settled
For immediate release: Thursday, April 16, 2015
For more information: David Clohessy of St. Louis, SNAP Director (314) 566-9790 cell, [email protected]
Cases settled vs. two predator priests
Both were from Joliet diocese but worked here
One was a Missouri state social worker in 2002
The other is the 1st priest deemed "sexually violent predator"
He allegedly had 25 victims and worked at five St. Louis sites
One cleric is still in prison; the other may still be living here
Catholic officials in an Illinois diocese have settled 14 clergy sex abuse and cover up cases involving five priests – two of whom worked in St. Louis - for $4.1 million.
http://www.prweb.com/releases/chicago-personal-injury/hurley-mckenna-mertz/prweb12653765.htm
WV--Victims blast Mormon officials in “bizarre” abuse case
For immediate release: Thursday, April 16
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]
In an outrageous perversion of justice, victims of a twice-convicted serial child molester are being forced to pay half the legal fees of two court-appointed private lawyers in a civil abuse and cover up case, thanks to stunningly callous and aggressive legal tactics by Mormon church officials.
VA--More abuse cases settle vs. notorious Catholic cleric
For immediate release: Thursday, April 16
Statement by Judy Jones of St. Louis, Midwest Associate Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (h: 636.433.2511, c: 314.974.5003, [email protected])
More civil child sex abuse and cover up lawsuits involving one of the most prolific child molesting clerics in the US have settled. He's Brother Stephen P. Baker who worked in Norfolk Virginia and four other states (Minnesota, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Ohio).
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