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).
CA- Child sex cases vs. notorious Jesuit settle
Six men who were sexually violated as kids by a widely-known Jesuit priest, who worked in the Bay Area for five years, have reached a settlement totaling nearly $20 million.
NJ- Victims blast church “star chamber”
Victims blast church “star chamber”
Group seeks end to secret abuse panel
SNAP: “Newark Catholic board should resign”
And replacements’ names should be made public
Parishioners should be able to vote on them, victims say
More Civil Suits Filed Against KC Catholic Diocese Involving Proven Predator Priest
NJ- Priest arrested at parish near 11 schools and day care centers
An admitted predator priest was arrested yesterday at St. Antoninus Catholic parish, 337 S. Orange Ave. in Newark. Archbishop John Myers should explain why he recklessly put Fr. Michael Fugee at that parish, so near to children and within a mile (according to “Google maps”) of at least 11 schools and day care centers, including:
FL- Ex-Orlando priest sued for child sex crimes
Two brothers are suing a Catholic diocese saying they were molested by a priest who worked at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Winter Springs and other parishes in the Orlando area.
http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/45ecbfd836864f418b8acfc2c1de79d7/ME--Church-Abuse-Maine
http://www.bishop-accountability.org/news3/1993_03_05_OrlandoSentinel_3Say_James_Vallely_1.htm
ME- priest sued for child sex crimes
Two brothers are suing a Maine Catholic diocese saying they were molested by a priest.
http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/45ecbfd836864f418b8acfc2c1de79d7/ME--Church-Abuse-Maine
We applaud these brave brothers for coming forward and seeking justice. Every time clergy sex abuse victims find the courage to speak up, kids become safer and truth becomes revealed.
Newark Predator Priest Arrested, SNAP Responds
Fr. Michael Fugee, a Catholic priest of the Newark Archdiocese, has been arrested. He admitted molesting a child, recanted, was tried and convicted. His conviction was overturned on a technicality, and he and his church supervisors promised prosecutors that he would not be around kids. Then, weeks ago, the Newark Star Ledger disclosed that this agreement had been repeatedly and flagrantly violated.
Child sex cases vs. notorious Jesuit settle; SNAP responds
For immediate release: Monday, May 20
Statement by Barbara Blaine of Chicago, president of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (312-399-4747, [email protected])
Six men who were sexually violated as kids by a widely-known Jesuit priest, Fr. Donald McGuire, have reached a settlement totaling nearly $20 million. We applaud their courage and strength.
These six brave men have, despite their horrific pain, struggled to expose corruption by some of the top Jesuits in the US. More truth about awful church crimes and cover ups is being revealed and for that, Catholics should be grateful.
CA- Encino priest sentenced to life in prison for abuse
A convicted predator priest who worked in Encino will spend the rest of his life behind bars. On Thursday, he was convicted of abuse - for a second time - and was sentenced to life in prison.
He’s Fr. William C. Wert, who twice worked at Crespi Carmelite High School, a college prep school for boys in Encino (in 1987 and from 1993 to 1999).
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