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).
PA- Victims blast Harrisburg man
For immediate release: Thursday, April 10, 2014
Victims blast Harrisburg man
He's running for university trustee
And he wants controversial statue restored
That “hurts victims & endangers kids,” group says
A Harrisburg man is being criticized because he wants Penn State University to put back up a statue of Coach Joe Paterno.
NY- New Albany Catholic bishop is installed; SNAP responds
For immediate release: Thursday, April 10, 2014
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 not optimistic about Albany's new Catholic bishop, Edward B. Scharfenberger, who is being installed today.
AL- Pastor arrested for sexually assaulting a minor, SNAP responds
For immediate release: Thursday, April 10, 2014
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
A Valley Grande pastor was arrested for multiple charges of sexually assaulting a teenage girl. We are grateful this dangerous predator is in jail.
IL- Youth minster charged with child sexual abuse, SNAP responds
For immediate release: Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314-503-0003, [email protected])
A Cicero youth pastor has been charged with multiple counts of child sexual abuse in a case involving multiple children. We are deeply saddened that there are likely more victims suffering in silence and self-blame.
MO- More abuse at Chaminade than any other MO school? SNAP asks
For immediate release: Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314-503-0003, [email protected])
There has likely been more child sexual abuse at Chaminade than at any school we know of across Missouri.
OK- Pastor pleads guilty to lewd acts with a child, SNAP responds
For immediate release: Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 503 0003, SNAPdorris@gmail.com)
A Guthrie pastor has pleaded guilty and has been convicted of lewd acts with a child. We are glad this dangerous predator is finally going to prison and we are grateful for the brave victim for speaking out.
MN- Victims urge MN lawmakers to fix adult abuse law
For immediate release: Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 503 0003, SNAPdorris@gmail.com)
In the wake of yesterday's decision in the Fr. Christopher Wenthe case, we call on Minnesota lawmakers to clarify the state law criminalizing the sexual exploitation of adult congregants by clergy.
NJ- Victims advocate wins award, SNAP responds
For immediate release: Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
New Jersey's attorney general is honoring the work of a wonderful, tireless volunteer who heads the state's chapter of our organization. We are grateful for Mark Crawford's ceaseless compassion and courage. His efforts over the past decade have helped expose dangerous clergy predators and corrupt church officials. And his work has deterred cover ups of child sex crimes while also consoling those who have been sexually assaulted.
NY- Convicted of witness tampering, Jewish man is praised
For immediate release: Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 503 0003, SNAPdorris@gmail.com)
A blogger reports that a “hero's welcome” is being given to a Hassidic man who was convicted of attempting to buy the silence of a victim of sexual abuse.
MN- Predator priest escapes justice
For immediate release: Monday, April 7, 2014
Statement by Frank Meuers of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (952-334-5180, [email protected])
Our hearts ache for the victim of Fr. Christopher Wenthe who has been hurt again today by this depressing court ruling
We strongly urge Ramsey County prosecutors to re-try this case.
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