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).
FL- Megachurch founder resigns, SNAP responds
For immediate release: Monday, April 07, 2014
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314-566-9790 cell, [email protected])
A Florida megachurch leader has resigned due to “moral failings.” We are glad that he will not be in ministry anymore, but believe he should be investigated.
MD- Catholic librarian should be fired, SNAP responds
For immediate release: Friday, April 04, 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 Baltimore teacher has been arrested for sexually abusing one of her current students. We urge Catholic officials to fire and denounce - not just suspend - the librarian who kept silent about these crimes for weeks and discipline two Catholic officials who are calling these crimes "a relationship."
MN- More deception from Twin Cities archbishop; SNAP responds
For immediate release: Friday, April 4, 2014
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
Again, Archbishop John Nienstedt's been caught being deceptive, claiming to have “offered” information about predator priests to the police while not having done so.
PA- Scranton priest arrested, victims respond
For immediate release: Friday, April 4, 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 Scranton priest, Fr. Philip Altavilla, has been arrested for giving alcohol to a minor and assaulting her. We are grateful for this brave victim for having the courage to report to police. More children will be safe because of her bravery.
GA- Archbishop's meeting on Saturday is “silly,” victims say
For immediate release: Friday, April 4, 2014
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 503 0003, SNAP[email protected])
Bishop Wilton Gregory's meeting on Saturday with his clergy about his expensive home is just silly.
DE- Judge should discuss controversial decision, victims say
For immediate release: Friday, April 4, 2014
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
It's disturbing that some have apparently threatened Delaware Judge Jan Jurden. But it's even more disturbing that a child predator, Robert Richards IV, is not in prison.
UK- Ipswich Jehovah's Witness molester is jailed
For immediate release: Thursday, April 3, 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 glad that a Jehovah's Witness pedophile is behind bars and subject to a prevention order limiting contact with children in his future release.
VA- Richmond pastor owes victims an apology
For immediate release: Thursday, April 3, 2014
Statement by Becky Ianni of Virginia, SNAP Leader, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (703-801-6044, [email protected])
We are grateful that Pastor G will not speak at the Good Friday Cedar Street Church service. Rev. Chandler, however, still owes child sex abuse victims, especially those hurt by Pastor G, a public apology. Inviting an indicted serial child molester to have a place of honor in a church is at best insensitive and at worst intimidating.
MI- Registered sex offender is made a minor cleric
Victims ask Michigan archbishop for help
Registered sex offender is made a minor cleric
Group wants assurance he is no longer in a position of authority
Also, it wants hierarch to help 'get the word out' about this criminal
SNAP says “Kids may be at risk and adults may be suffering in other communities”
A support group for clergy sex abuse victims has written to a Michigan archbishop asking him whether a registered sex offender is serving as one of his subdeacons. Also, they want him to help them make sure the community knows about the man’s record and the possible danger that he poses.
Members of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, sent a letter earlier today to Archbishop Nathaniel Popp (517-522-4800), the leader of the Romanian Episcopate of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA). They asked him whether or not Robert A. Mitchell is still serving as a subdeacon. The group also asked the archbishop to help them make sure that the public is made aware that this outwardly pious man is a dangerous predator.
LA- Louisiana authorities prodded on old rape allegations
For immediate release: Thursday, April 3
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 503 0003, SNAP[email protected])
We urge Louisiana law enforcement officials to move very quickly to investigate and charge Mack Ford for the horrific crimes reported by Jennifer Halter and others at the New Bethany Home for Girls in Arcadia. We are deeply moved by the suffering and the courage of these brave women. Their concern for others and their own deep pain should prompt speedy and thorough action by police and prosecutors.
http://www.nola.com/crime/index.ssf/2014/04/to_new_bethany_and_back_one_wo.html
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