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).
OH- Dayton pastor wants suspended sentence for child molester, victims respond
For immediate release: Monday, March 24, 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 Dayton pastor has failed in his bid to persuade an Iowa judge to avoid jailing a child molester. We're glad the pastor lost and think he should be ashamed for his effort.
IA- Des Moines church must do more about molester
For immediate release: Monday, March 24, 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're glad McKelvey is going to prison. Now the focus shifts to his church colleagues. They must take aggressive steps to find and help others who may have been hurt by this predator. And they must turn over to law enforcement the names of any current or former church staff or members who may have seen or suspected or concealed McKelvey's crimes.
WA- Victims group discloses predator priests
For immediate release: Monday, March 24, 2014
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])
Today, we are disclosing – for the first time in the Seattle area, we believe - the names of three credibly accused predator priests who worked in this archdiocese.
Rome- Victims blast Australian Cardinal for “blame shifting”
For immediate release: Monday, March 24, 2014
Statement by Barbara Blaine of Chicago, president of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (312-399-4747, [email protected])
When confronted with tough questions about why they endanger kids and protect predators, many Catholic officials often sadly follow a predictable pattern. First, they blame their underlings. And if that doesn't work, they blame their superiors.
NC- Church group responsible for “suspicious activity”, SNAP responds
For immediate release: Monday, March 24, 2014
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, [email protected])
An Asheville Baptist church is behind reports of “suspicious activity” directed at teenage girls. SNAP calls on church officials to use common sense and better train their volunteers on how to interact with kids.
Vatican- Pope's abuse panel based on deception, SNAP says
For immediate release: Saturday, March 22, 2014
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, [email protected])
Eight people have been appointed to a papal abuse study panel. This panel is based on a deceptive premise. It perpetuates the self-serving myth that Catholic officials need more information about abuse and cover ups. They don't. They need courage. They know what's right. They simply refuse to do what's right. The reason: because they are monarchs who can do whatever they like, and they like their power and the status quo more than anything else.
GA- Victims blast Atlanta Catholic officials for spending
For immediate release: Monday, March 24, 2014
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, [email protected])
The Archdiocese of Atlanta is spending millions on renovating clergy housing. We believe this excessive spending could have been used for better purposes.
IN- Child abusing pastor wants a reduced sentence, victims respond
For immediate release: Friday, March 21, 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 former Hammond Baptist pastor wants his child sex abuse sentence tossed out on legal technicalities. We hope the judge sees through this farce and upholds his sentence.
NY- Charges dropped in clergy sex case; SNAP responds
For immediate release: Friday, March 21, 2014
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
Charges have been dropped against a man who was accused of violating a clergy sex abuse victim's privacy. We hope that police and prosecutors will now work even harder to nail the correct offender.
CA- Youth pastor pleads not guilty to child porn, SNAP responds
For immediate release: Friday, March 21, 2014
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
An Oakdale youth pastor has pleaded not guilty to charges of downloading child pornography. We hope that justice will be served in 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