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).
NE- Accused predator priest worked in Nebraska
For immediate release: Thursday, Jan. 30 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 accused predator priest who worked in Nebraska has been suspended from ministry in New Mexico because of credible allegations of child sex crimes.
http://www.abqjournal.com/344994/news/diocese-removes-accused-priest.html
MO- AME church officials should be ashamed
For immediate release: Thursday, Jan. 30 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 in SNAP are grateful for Rev. Brenda Jones' strength and courage. She has wisely realized that our courts are the best place to expose sexual predators and protect vulnerable congregations. We applaud her for her bravery.
http://www.snapnetwork.org/mo_minister_abused_harassed_woman_new_suit_says
IL- Case settles, Cardinal dodges another bullet
For immediate release: Thursday, Jan. 30 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])
Another clergy sex abuse and cover up lawsuit against the Chicago archdiocese has settled.
MN- Evidence shows church officials delayed reporting
For immediate release: Thursday, Jan. 30 2014
Statement by Megan Peterson, Twin Cities SNAP leader, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (218-689-9049 cell, [email protected])
We are deeply disappointed in Twin Cities law enforcement officials.
MN- Priest will NOT be charged with child porn
For immediate release Wednesday, January 29 2014
Statement by Barbara Dorris, SNAP Outreach Director, 314-862-7688 [email protected]
We are saddened by the fact that at this time the Washington County Attorney has decided not to pursue charges against Fr. Jonathan Shelley. We hope someday he will and that in the meantime other police and prosecutors will continue investigating Fr. Shelley.
http://www.twincities.com/crime/ci_25017887/ex-mahtomedi-priest-case-no-child-porn-found
ND/NM- Predator priest is suspended
For immediate release: Wednesday, Jan. 29 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 priest has been suspended from ministry in New Mexico because of credible allegations of child sex crimes.
He is Fr. Timothy Conlon.
MN- No indictments for MN Catholic officials
For immediate release: Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2014
Statement by Frank Meuers of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (952-334-5180, [email protected])
We're not lawyers. But we refuse to believe that Twin Cities secular officials are helpless in the face of so much recklessness, callousness and deceit by dozens of complicit Catholic officials year after year after year.
Al Capone was nabbed on income tax evasion. Other criminals are nabbed on various and sometimes lesser charges, whether perjury, witness tampering, endangering children, obstructing justice, destroying evidence, and intimidating victims. We believe that usually, “where there's a will, there's a way.”
PA- Two sets of school officials act "irresponsibly"
For immediate release: Wednesday, Jan. 29 2014
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
Shame on officials at Pennridge High School and Faith Christian Academy. Neither acted responsibly in the troubling case of proven predator Eric Romig. We hope both will be prosecuted.
PA/TX- Philly priest acts creepy in Dallas
For immediate release: Wednesday, Jan. 29 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 notorious and frightening now-defrocked Philly predator priest has recently moved to – and apparently from – a Dallas apartment complex where he repeatedly expressed sexual interest in kids.
TX--New Fort Worth bishop installed
For immediate release: Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2014
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
Michael F. Olson formally takes over today as the bishop of the Ft. Worth Catholic diocese.
Since he was selected months ago, several Catholic officials and institutions have posted on their websites the names of child molesting clerics. The first thing tomorrow, Olson should scour the files and disclose the names, photos, whereabouts and work histories of every proven, admitted and credibly accused child molesting cleric who lives/lived or works/worked in the diocese (whether living or deceased, religious order or diocesan). And we hope he will update the list regularly and publicly. (The current list hasn't been updated in more than six months.)
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