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).
Capuchins Fail Survivors, Again
Fr. John Celichowski of the Capuchins religious order said Tuesday "through much of our history as a province, we have failed victims and survivors.”
He's wrong.
WI- Capuchin report: 46 friars alleged to have assaulted children, 23 named
www.snapwisconsin.com
Capuchin report: 46 friars alleged to have assaulted children, 23 named
Abuse “audit” a good and important start, but much more needs to be done, victims say
Order spent “eight times” more on lawyers than compensating victims
But key abuse documents have yet to be obtained or were destroyed
Prominent Catholic official blasts KC Bishop Finn
A prominent Catholic lawyer who once headed the American Catholic bishops’ top sex abuse panel is harshly criticizing, in a rare and stunningly candid manner, Kansas City Bishop Robert Finn.
For now, Vatican officials will not face criminal charges
For now, Vatican officials will not face criminal charges
ICC prosecutor may reconsider with 'new facts or information'
SNAP: “We’ll keep bringing forward proof of church complicity”
TX- Baptists adopt abuse resolution, SNAP responds
The Southern Baptist Convection has passed a resolution urging people to report child sex crimes to law enforcement. Big deal.
NJ- Ex Catholic official blasts Newark archbishop
A prominent Catholic canon lawyer who once headed the American Catholic bishops’ top sex abuse panel is harshly criticizing, in a rare and stunningly candid manner, Newark Archbishop John Myers.
Statement by Houston SNAP leader Amy Smith re the SBC Annual Meeting in Texas
We are here today to protect kids. For far too long, SBC church officials have remained silent on what we believe to be a systemic problem of inappropriate and dangerous responses within Southern Baptist churches when Baptist clergy are credibly accused of child sexual abuse.
Church staff and members often immediately and even publicly rally around an accused child molester instead of keeping an open mind and urging anyone with information to come forward. Then, victims, witnesses and whistleblowers are intimidated or frightened and stay silent, many times, for decades. As a result, all too often, those who commit and conceal child sex crimes walk free, remain hidden and hurt others.
Pope admits “gay lobby” in Vatican
Sexual orientation isn’t the real problem. Sexually active and thus compromised clerics are the real problem.
Allegedly celibate men (gay or straight) can, and often do, take advantage of their status and power. They often sexually exploit innocent children and vulnerable adults. And when they do, they become unable or unwilling to “blow the whistle” on others who commit or conceal misconduct, whether sexual or financial. The corruption then spreads unchecked.
MN- Winona Diocese priest arrested for allegedly molesting girl
A Winona Diocese priest has been arrested for allegedly molesting a girl.
We applaud this very brave girl and her grandmother. The child was smart and strong enough to promptly report and the grandmother was smart and strong enough to call police. All too often, even now, Catholics who see, suspect or suffer clergy sex crimes call church officials, instead of secular officials.
IL- Accused child molester to retire
Accused child molester to retire
Clergy sex abuse victims protested him last month
Former priest now works for Advocate Health Care
For 2nd time, he is allowed to quietly resign without any consequences
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