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 - Five men sue Chicago evangelist for child sex abuse
For immediate release: Monday October 21, 2013
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
A highly visible “urban evangelist” is accused of molesting five boys.
MO - Top aide to Bishop Finn moves; SNAP responds
For immediate release: Monday, Oct. 21, 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])
Msgr. Brad Offutt is no longer the vicar general of the Kansas City Catholic diocese, the only diocese in the world headed by a bishop who was convicted of endangering kids by hiding evidence. We are glad Offutt is no longer in the diocesan headquarters but don’t believe it will improve the reckless, secretive and deceitful way Bishop Robert Finn and his top aides continue to deal with clergy sex crimes and cover ups.
MN - Catholic college may have ignored recommended restrictions
For immediate release: Friday, Oct. 18, 2013
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
At first, there were no signs of Fr. Keating committing misconduct with adults.
Now, there are several.
TN - “No whistleblowing” says prominent Baptist preacher; SNAP responds
For immediate release: Friday, Oct. 18, 2013
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
A prominent Baptist official is telling church members “don’t take matters to the press.”
We hope every Baptist rejects this self-serving, unhealthy and often dangerous advice, especially when it comes to sexual and financial crimes, whether known or suspected.
MN - Catholic officials hid more disturbing evidence; SNAP responds
For immediate release: Friday, Oct. 18, 2013
Statement by Bob Schwiderski of St. Wayzata, Minnesota Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (952 471 3422, [email protected])
Weeks ago we learned that several top Twin Cities Catholic officials concealed for years the “borderline illegal” pornography on Fr. Jon Shelley.
Today, we learn that they also concealed for years “inappropriate (email) correspondence with a minor” sent by Fr. Shelley.
AR - Group cancels fundraiser for criminal
Group cancels controversial fundraiser
Victims & advocates called event “callous”
It was intended to help a convicted teacher
She refused to report suspected child sex crimes
Organizations wanted bishop to denounce the event
Advocates: “Public displays of support for proven molesters is wrong”
It deters other victims of other child sex crimes from speaking up, groups say
For immediate release: Friday, October 18, 2013
For more information: Barbara Dorris (314-862-7688 home, 314-503-0003 cell, [email protected]), David Clohessy (314-566-9790 cell, [email protected])
MN - Predator priest’s emails raise Qs re church abuse board
For immediate release: Thursday, Oct. 17, 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])
It’s sickening to read multiple seductive and manipulative emails from a then 44-year-old priest to a then 15-year-old girl.
http://www.startribune.com/local/228208861.html?page=all&prepage=1&c=y#continue
PA- Abuse victim found dead
For immediate release Thursday, October 17, 2013
Statement by Karen Polesir of Philadelphia SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (267-992-9463, [email protected])
Our hearts ache for this family.
MA - Catholic university coach accused of hitting students; SNAP responds
For immediate release: Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2013
Statement by Barbara Blaine of Chicago, president of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (312-399-4747, [email protected])
A coach should never hit a player. Period. So we’re outraged by allegations that Holy Cross coach Bill Gibbons physically abused players.
AR - Letter to Bishop Taylor
October 16, 2013
Dear Bishop Taylor:
Last month, Kathy Griffin was convicted and sentenced for refusing to promptly call authorities when she knew of or suspected child sex crimes at a Catholic school in your diocese.
And this Saturday, her backers – many of them Catholic - will hold a fundraising event for her.
We are worried about the child who was hurt longer because Griffin broke the law and stayed silence. We are also worried about other child sex abuse victims who will be discouraged and depressed – when they see adults publicly rallying around and raising money for a convicted criminal. And we are worried that ignoring this callous injustice will encourage others in the future to publicly back those who commit and conceal child sex crimes.
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