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).
NJ predator priests are defrocked; SNAP responds
For immediate release: Tuesday, Sept. 3, 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])
Two New Jersey predator priests have finally been defrocked by the Vatican. Shame on Newark’s archbishop for not doing more to spread the word about this news and warn more families about these dangerous men.
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2013/09/removal_of_2_nj_priests_finalized_by_vatican.html
Child molesting Catholic clerics don’t just hurt Catholic kids. So it’s wrong for Archbishop John Myers to only alert Catholic parents when predatory Catholic priests are demoted. Myers should alert as many parents as possible, especially in light of his repeatedly pledges to be “open” about clergy sex crimes.
Canada - Victims make ‘last ditch’ plea
Victims make ‘last ditch’ plea
Priest will be sentenced next week
He was found guilty on child sex charges
But cleric faces only five years behind bars
SNAP to bishop: “Help keep predator locked up”
Group wants Catholic officials & public to write to judge & prosecutor
For immediate release: Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2013
Victoria clergy abuse victims meet this week
For immediate release: Monday, Sept. 2, 2013
A self help group for men and women who were abused by clergy will hold a confidential support meeting in Victoria this week.
The organization is SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests". The meeting will be Tuesday, September 3.
MO - Victims challenge archbishop on child porn priest
For immediate release: Friday, August 30, 2013
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
Archbishop Robert Carlson, through his public relations team, says today that his employees "pray for the safety and dignity of all children in our archdiocese and around the world." That's not enough.
More than two years ago, Carlson should have personally gone to Fr. Vatterott's parish, urging victims and witnesses to call police. He should do that this weekend. Tangible action like this is what will better safeguard kids.
SNAP comments on two papal appointments
For immediate release: Friday, Aug. 30
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 made one new appointment and reportedly will soon make another. We’re disappointed with both.
The pontiff has promoted a Legion of Christ priest, Fr. Fernando Vergez Alzaga, to secretary-general of the office governing Vatican City.
MO - St. Louis priest in court today on child porn; SNAP responds
For immediate release: Friday, August 30, 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 young St. Louis priest appears in court today on child porn charges. We beg others who may have seen, suspected or suffered his crimes to call prosecutors as soon as possible.
OH - SNAP explains why bishop should “out” predators
For immediate release: Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
Here's why Bishop Murry should disclose the names and whereabouts of child molesting clerics:
-- Because that's what keeps kids safe. (Parents can protect their kids from child molesters if parents know who they are.)
-- Because just suspending an abuser from his job doesn't 'cure' him.
Letter to Bishop Murry - Three credibly accused child molesting clerics
August 29, 2013
Dear Bishop Murry:
We are writing about three credibly accused child molesting clerics.
We want you to disclose their whereabouts, to reach out to their victims, to warn citizens and Catholic parishioners about them and reveal to citizens and Catholics in your own diocese the identity of the other credibly accused child molesting clerics.
Letter to Bishop Campbell
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Dear Bishop Campbell:
We are members of a support group called SNAP (the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests). Our mission is to protect the vulnerable and heal the wounded. We are begging you to do this as well, by giving information to Canadian authorities about a proven predator priest who worked in your diocese.
On September 4, Fr. Phil J. Jacobs will be sentenced for sexually abusing a Canadian child. Last year, he admitted abuse incidents involving boys in Ohio, claiming he wanted “to teach (them) to masturbate.” (At least ten children have said he molested them.)
Letter to Bishop Murry
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
To Bishop Murry,
As victims of child sex abuse, and advocates for those victims, we urge you to act responsibly regarding the credible accusations against a deacon and teacher at a Youngstown Catholic school.
You claim that an investigation was conducted - in secrecy - and there was no evidence found. Yet another person has come forward to us - anonymously - reporting misdeeds about this individual who remains around children.
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