Media Statements

For immediate release: Monday, January 6, 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 member of the Swiss Guard says that he was fondled by a high ranking Catholic official in Rome and that cardinals, bishops and other clergy made sexual advances towards him roughly two dozen times.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2534513/Former-member-Swiss-Guard-says-regularly-asked-sex-gay-lobby-bishops-cardinals-priests-serving-Vatican.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490

We’re saddened but not surprised by this. We feel sorry for this man and the abuse and harassment he had to endure. And we are grateful he’s joined the tens of thousands of brave victims who are exposing the corruption in the Catholic hierarchy. 

For immediate release: Monday, January 6, 2014

Statement by Barbara Dorris, SNAP Outreach Director, 314-503-0003 [email protected]

New Mexico Catholic officials are taking steps to protect their wealth from clergy sex abuse victims who are seeking justice by restructuring their diocese and parishes.

For immediate release: Friday, Jan. 3, 2014

For more information: David Clohessy of St. Louis, SNAP Director (314) 566-9790 cell,[email protected]

Catholic archbishop admits 115 St. Louis church staff accused of abuse

Revelation comes in a new court filing that church officials wanted to be kept secret

For immediate release: Friday, Jan. 3, 014

David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])

Philly Archbishop says, in a new letter to his flock, that he won’t put Msgr. William Lynn back on the job for now. But Chaput

--denies that Lynn is a flight risk,

--won’t say if Lynn will be re-assigned later,

--takes credit for doing things he’s required to do, and

--refuses to really explain why he continues to use the generous donations of Catholics to help proven wrongdoers

For immediate release Friday, January 3, 2013

Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])

Despite multiple orders from a judge and actual sanctions against him by that same judge, St. Louis Archbishop Robert Carlson will not be turning over any records today about predator priests.

Late yesterday, he sought, and today he won, a “stay” or delay, from an appeals court.

Statement by Megan Peterson, Twin Cities SNAP leader, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (218-689-9049 cell,[email protected])

For immediate release: Friday January 3, 2014

The foxes who have for decades ‘guarded the chicken coop’ want to keep doing so. Corrupt St. Paul Catholic officials who for decades have protected proven and accused predator priests are asking a judge to let them keep doing so. Shame on them.

http://www.startribune.com/local/238601601.html

Statement by Barbara Dorris, SNAP Outreach Director, 314-862-7688 [email protected]

For immediate release: Friday January 2, 2013

We are glad the pope mentions prevention. It’s the most important part of the abuse and cover up crisis. But talk, of course, is cheap. He has immense power to prevent heinous child sex crimes. But he won’t use it.

http://www.chron.com/news/article/Pope-warns-of-fallout-from-poorly-trained-priests-5110977.php

Instead of talking about predators not becoming priests in the future, he should act against corrupt bishops who are in office right now. Sadly, Pope Francis continues the long-standing and widespread church practice of virtually ignoring every Catholic employee – from custodian to cardinal – who ignores, conceals or enables abuse.

For immediate release: Thursday, January 2, 2013

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 again call on Archbishop Charles Chaput to reassure parents, parishioners and the public that he won't put Msgr. William Lynn back on the job anywhere.

There's some doubt about whether Msgr. Lynn can be criminally prosecuted for his wrongdoing. There is no doubt, however, that he did wrong. And his wrongdoing was repeated and serious - knowingly putting proven, admitted and credibly accused child molesters into new parishes without warning parents or telling police.

Victim to appeal “bizarre” ruling

Catholic abuse case will move forward

Church not responsible for child sex crimes

The reason: abuse happened on private property

Missouri Supreme Court is expected to hear case this year

For immediate release: Wednesday, January 1, 2014

For more info: David Clohessy (314 566 9790, [email protected], Barbara Dorris (314 862 7688 home, 314 503 0003 cell, [email protected]) 

For immediate release: Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014

Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])

In a rare move, yesterday a judge sanctioned St. Louis' archbishop and ordered to turn over possibly dozens and dozens of names of victims and child molesting clerics – over two decades - to a 20 year old woman and her attorney. Both parts of the ruling are unusual and significant.

http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/judge-orders-archdiocese-to-turn-over-by-friday-names-of/article_85e3927f-54e1-5741-9282-b30616b9dda8.html