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).
IL- Cardinal George not doing enough
For immediate release: Monday, December 9, 2013
Statement by Barbara Blaine, President of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (312 399 4747, [email protected])
Temporarily ousting a credibly accused predator priest is the bare minimum. Cardinal Francis George must do more about Fr. Michael W. O’Connell who just left his post at St. Alphonsus Catholic parish (1429 W. Wellington Ave.) in Lakeview.
First, George should disclose where Fr. O’Connell is now. Parents and neighbors should be warned about him.
Second, George should insist that Fr. O’Connell move into and stay at a remote, secure, independently run treatment center so that he gets help and so that kids are protected.
MN- Names of child molesting clerics revealed
For immediate release: Monday, December 9, 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’re glad that three new names of credibly accused child molesting Minnesota Catholic clerics are now public.
http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_24686656/st-johns-abbey-lists-monks-suspected-child-sex
But let’s remember some history.
NM- Predator priest passes away
Predator priest passes away
He admitted “inappropriate relationships”
Cleric was later sent to work in New Mexico
Victims blast Catholic archbishop for “continuing secrecy”
For immediate release: Monday, Dec. 9, 2013
For more information please contact SNAP Director David Clohessy of St. Louis (314) 566-9790 cell, [email protected]
NV- Predator priest passes away
Predator priest passes away
He admitted “inappropriate relationships”
Cleric later moved to NV & became a Episcopalian
Victims blast Catholic bishop for “continuing secrecy”
For immediate release: Monday, Dec. 9, 2013
For more information please contact SNAP Director David Clohessy of St. Louis (314) 566-9790 cell, [email protected]
CA - Predator priest lives in SD area
Church officials “outed” him yesterday
A judge ordered that his name be released
Cleric is “credibly accused” of child sex abuse
Victims want San Diego bishop to do outreach
As recently as last year, alleged abuser was still on the job
MN - What’s next in MN clergy sex scandal? SNAP predicts...
For immediate release: Friday, Dec. 6, 2013
David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
What next in the Twin Cities Catholic abuse and cover up scandal? Here are some predictions and hopes.
We predict that more victims across Minnesota will:
USA - Prominent priest marries daughter of US papal ambassador
For immediate release: Thursday, December 5, 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])
A high profile priest from a corrupt Catholic religious order is marrying the daughter of the former U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican.
We are grateful that Fr. Williams is taking responsibility for the child he fathered. Most Catholic officials let priests who exploit and impregnate vulnerable parishioners avoid helping to raise their children.
MN- Victims respond to St. Paul archdiocesan announcement
For immediate release Thursday December 5, 2013
Statement by Megan Peterson, Twin Cities SNAP leader, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (218-689-9049 cell, [email protected])
Nienstedt must now force child molesting clerics into remote, secure treatment centers so they’ll be kept away from kids and give every shred of information about them and their crimes to police and prosecutors.
After 25 years of watching Catholic bishops act recklessly, deceitfully and callously in clergy sex cases - in the US and across the globe - we don't stun easily.
Vatican- Pope disappoints victims and Catholics with new panel
For immediate release Thursday December 5, 2013
Statement by Barbara Blaine, SNAP President, [email protected], 312-455-1499 (office), 312-399-4747 (cell)
This Pope has been a breath of fresh air to many. But he’s a breath of stale air to wounded victims, vulnerable children, and betrayed Catholics.
Catholic officials have tons of knowledge about clergy sex crimes and cover-ups. They must simply give all this information - right now - to law enforcements and sanction their colleagues who conceal it.
MO- Another KC predator priest passes away
Another KC predator priest passes away
He admitted “inappropriate relationships”
Cleric later became a Lutheran and an Episcopalian
Victims blast Catholic bishop for “continuing secrecy”
For immediate release: Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013
For more information please contact SNAP Director David Clohessy of St. Louis (314) 566-9790 cell, [email protected]
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