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).
RI- Case against scandal-ridden Catholic group goes forward
For immediate release: Thursday, March 06, 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])
We are grateful that a lawsuit against the scandal-ridden Catholic Legion of Christ will move ahead.
CHILE- Victims reject proposed settlement from archdiocese
For immediate release: Thursday, March 6, 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]
SNAP applauds the courage of survivors Juan Carlos Cruz, James Hamilton and Andrés Murillo who rejected the proposed settlement from the Archbishop of Santiago, Chile.
Rome- Pope's “pain” for “falsely accused” priests is scrubbed? SNAP responds
For immediate release: Thursday, March 6, 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])
In a little-noticed talk with some Italian priests yesterday, Pope Francis offered tender words for clerics he calls “falsely accused” of abuse (according to Gazzetta del Sud). But those sympathetic words are apparently left out (and replaced by ellipses) in the official version of his talk in four summaries or official versions of the speech that are accessible from the Vatican's website. (See below.)
Rome- Pope “shares the pain” of wrongly accused priests; SNAP responds
For immediate release: Thursday, March 6, 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])
A newspaper in southern Italy reports that Pope Francis told a group of priests he considers “falsely accused” that he “shares their pain.”
Canada- Victims blast Ottawa bishop over abuse
For immediate release: Thursday, March 6, 2014
For more info: Melanie Jula Sakoda 925-708-6175 cell, [email protected], Cappy Larson [email protected], David Clohessy 314-566-9790 cell, [email protected]
Victims blast Ottawa bishop
He professes "neutrality" in clergy sex case
But group says that "helps criminals & hurts kids"
They want diocese-wide ban on backing predators
A support group for clergy sex abuse victims is blasting an Ottawa bishop for claiming to be neutral in a dispute over a fundraising event for a convicted archbishop.
MN- Court says church depositions must happen, victims respond
For immediate release: Wednesday, March 05, 2014
Statement by Frank Meuers of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (952-334-5180, [email protected])
A Minnesota appeals court has ruled against Twin Cities Catholic officials who want to further delay the deposition of top church staffers in a clergy sex abuse and cover up case. We are grateful this brave victim has moved a step closer to learning the truth about how Archbishop John Nienstedt and Fr. Kevin McDonough may have ignored or concealed heinous child sex crimes.
Rome- Pope “offended” by the wrong problem in the church; SNAP says
For immediate release: Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
The pope said he is “offended.” Apparently, he's not really offended by Catholic officials who transfer predators and keep secrets and endanger kids. He's offended by the “hype” around his papacy.
TX- New prosecutor elected; SNAP responds
For immediate release: Wednesday, March 5, 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])
We are thrilled that Rene Guerra – who has refused to aggressively pursue a murder case involving a priest -- has been defeated. We hope the newly elected prosecutor will honor his pledge to re-open the troubling Irene Garza case.
Rome- Pope of “change” now backs status quo; SNAP says
For immediate release: Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Statement by SNAP leader Becky Ianni of DC/northern Virginia (703-801-6044, [email protected])
We agree with Pope Francis that "The statistics of the phenomenon of violence against children are staggering.”
Rome- Pope shows “archaic, defensive” mindset; SNAP says
For immediate release: Wednesday, March 5, 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])
We are deeply disheartened by Pope Francis' remarks on the church's horrific, on-going sexual abuse scandal. His comments reflect an archaic, defensive mindset that will not make kids safer.
http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2014/03/05/pope-defends-church-efforts-against-abuse
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