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).
LA--Victims hope predator’s death will bring healing
For immediate release: Thursday, Feb. 12
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])
We hope the death of Mack Ford will bring some measure of closure and healing to the girls’ whose lives he devastated. Though he goes to his grave having faced no consequences for his child sex crimes, Ford’s victim can take a little comfort from knowing that he can’t assault any more children.
http://www.nola.com/crime/index.ssf/2015/02/mack_w_ford_founder_of_new_bet.html#incart_m-rpt-2
PA--Victims to Penn State officials "Now, turn the page"
For immediate release: Thursday, Feb. 12
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])
Now that Penn State will again get bowl revenue in the future, we really hope Paterno backers will move on and stop whining about his alleged mistreatment.
http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2015/02/penn_state_big_ten_announce_un.html
Canada--Clergy sex abuse victims again beg synod to defrock archbishop
For immediate release: Thursday, February 12, 2015
For more information: Melanie Jula Sakoda (925-708-6175 cell, [email protected]), Cappy Larson (415-637-2006 cell, [email protected]), David Clohessy (314-566-9790 cell, [email protected])
Clergy sex abuse victims again beg synod to defrock archbishop
He was the Orthodox Church in America’s highest ranking cleric in Canada
But, his appeal denied, he is now in jail for sexually assaulting a young boy
SNAP to church officials: “No more excuses, follow your abuse policy”
Members of an abuse survivors' group are again urging Orthodox Church in America (OCA) officials to defrock a high ranking clergyman who was found guilty of molesting a child.
Rome--Cardinals should question O’Malley’s abuse record
For immediate release: Wednesday, Feb. 11
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])
Thursday, Boston Cardinal Sean O'Malley speaks to prelates from across the globe about abuse. We hope that at least a few of those church officials will question O’Malley about his own track record on this crisis.
Several years ago, US Catholic officials found that in O’Malley’s archdiocese 64 out of 295 parishes refuse to teach abuse prevention to kids. O'Malley has had six years to comply with this church mandate. But he didn’t.
So the Pope’s abuse point man has been deemed in violation of the US bishops’ vague and weak national abuse policy.
Rome--Pope preaches “transparency” but practices “secrecy”
For immediate release: Thursday, Feb. 12
Statement by Mary Caplan of New York City, SNAP Leader, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (917 439 4187, [email protected])
A few days ago, Francis was urged to be transparent about sexual abuse. Instead, today Francis talks about bureaucratic transparency.
WV--Victims want more outreach in WV Presbyterian child sex case
For immediate release: Wednesday, Feb. 11
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])
We’re sad that a youth minister has apparently molested another child. Now that victims are cooperating and law enforcement is taking action, it’s crucial that West Virginia Presbyterian officials work harder to find other who may have seen, suspected or suffered crimes by Timothy Probert.
PA--Victims oppose Congressional Penn State hearings
For immediate release: Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015
Statement by Barbara Blaine of Chicago, president of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (312 399 4747, [email protected])
We firmly oppose the notion of Congressional hearings into how the NCAAA dealt with Penn State over the Joe Paterno/Jerry Sandusky scandal. This request, by Pennsylvania politician Jake Corman, seems like more posturing for Penn State fans who refuse to accept the reality that a fine football coach did not call police about child sex abuse suspicions.
MN--Victims want more "aggressiveness, creativity" by prosecutor
For immediate release: Wednesday, Feb. 11
Statement by Frank Meuers of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (952-334-5180, [email protected])
When it comes to clergy sex crimes and cover ups, John Choi has been no ‘profile in courage.’ So we’re saddened but not surprised by news that he won’t prosecute two predator priests.
AZ--Newly-disclosed predator priest is now in Arizona
For immediate release: Wednesday, Feb. 11
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 just “outed” predator priest who reportedly molested at least one child in Minnesota is now living in Phoenix, according to Catholic officials.
http://safe-environment.archspm.org/accountability/clergy-disclosures/james-robert-murphy/
Rome--Pope spends WAY more time on bureaucracy than safety
For immediate release: Wednesday, Feb. 11
Statement by Mary Caplan of New York City, SNAP Leader, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (917 439 4187, [email protected])
This week, “hundreds of the church prelates gather in Rome to discuss reform of the church's central bureaucracy,” according to the National Catholic Reporter.
Last week, 17 people, mostly volunteers, gathered in Rome to discuss reform of the church's abuse procedures.
Interesting disparity.
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