Media Statements

For immediate release: Thursday October

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

We agree with Nienstedt: he and his staff can “do better.” But they don’t.

Instead they posture. And they perpetuate the fallacy that child abuse is the root of this inexcusable horror.

It’s not.

For immediate release: Thursday, October 24

David Clohessy, Director, SNAP, Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, (7234 Arsenal Street, St. Louis MO 63143), 314 566 9790 cell ([email protected])

In response to scandal stemming from secrecy, Archbishop John Nienstedt proposes more secrecy.

http://thecatholicspirit.com/that-they-may-all-be-one/pledge-restore-trust/

He does one thing today – he promises hiring more lawyers. That’s all. The rest of his column is just more promises from a powerful prelate who keeps breaking old promises.

For immediate release: Thursday, October 24

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])

Pope Francis has disciplined a German bishop for financial misdeeds. We hope he will consider disciplining Bellville Bishop Edward Braxton, too.

Braxton has spent thousands of dollars - selfishly and inappropriately - on his vestments, furnishings and home renovations.

For immediate release: Thursday, Oct. 24

 Statement by Barbara Blaine of Chicago, president of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (312-399-4747, [email protected])

                Here’s what we think you can expect from Archbishop John Nienstedt’s column today when he writes about the continuing crisis in his archdiocese stemming from repeated clergy child sex crimes and cover ups of those crimes.

For immediate release: Thursday, Oct. 24

Statement by Bob Schwiderski of Wayzata, SNAP Minnesota Director                                        

Archbishop John Nienstedt is a coward. His archdiocese is embroiled in scandal. Already wounded clergy sex abuse victims feel re-victimized. And thousands of Nienstedt’s flock feels betrayed.

Based on the on-going recklessness, callousness and deceit by Nienstedt and his colleagues, those feelings are justified.

For immediate release: Thursday, October 24, 2013

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

Irish Catholic religious orders are refusing to live up to promises they made years ago to help victims of abuse. Shame on them.

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/orders-still-40m-short-of-cash-pledged-over-abuse-29696102.html

These selfish and cold-hearted church officials are victimizing the already-wounded for the third time. First, these innocent boys and girls were violated as kids. Second, they were violated again when a callous Catholic hierarchy ignored their pleas for help, openness and healing. Now, they are violating these still-suffering adults by breaking their promises of help.

Victims want private funeral for priest

He's accused of molesting dozens of kids

Abuse group writes Catholic bishop for help

"Please prevent more pain," SNAP urges Finn

For immediate release:  Thursday, Oct. 24, 2013

For more information: David Clohessy (314) 566-9790 cell, [email protected], Barbara Dorris (314) 862-7688 [email protected]

For immediate release: Wednesday Oct 23, 2013

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

This is dreadfully sad. A predator priest walks free and kids are at risk. Despite Fr. Robert Brennan’s age we still feel he is dangerous. (Most predators use cunning and manipulation not physical prowess to hurt kids)

For immediate release: Wednesday October 23, 2013  

Statement by Barbara Blaine of SNAP, 312 399 4747, [email protected] 

We applaud this victim’s brave family for speaking up and hope their courage prods others who are suffering in silence to step forward.

It’s tough for anyone to talk about child sex crimes. It must be especially tough doing that when you have just lost a child because of the horror of such crimes. Still, it is clear that this family has chosen to step forward in the hopes of saving kids who might be abused in the future and in the hopes of helping adults who have been abused in the past. 

For immediate release: Wednesday Oct 23, 2013

Statement by Carol Zamonski, SNAP Central Ohio Leader ([email protected], 614-447-2084) 

A Fisher Catholic High School teacher in Columbus was suspended a few days ago for allegedly “sexting” – sending nude or partially nude photos of herself to a student.