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- Newark Archdiocese settles w/ 5 abuse victims, SNAP responds
New Jersey attorney Greg Gianforcaro announced today that he has settled five cases against the Newark archdiocese involving a convicted Newark priest who was sent to Missouri where he assaulted more kids (after changing his name in between).
NE- Diocese not in compliance with child protection charter
The Catholic National Review Board has released the 2012 report on the implementation of the charter for the protection of children and young people. The report found the Diocese of Lincoln to be in violation of that charter. The diocese did not allow auditors to come in and do their jobs.
NJ- Newark archbishop hires another lawyer
Newark's archbishop is hiring yet another defense lawyer. That's about protecting Myers and his reputation, not about protecting kids.
MO- KC bishop "outs" child sex abuse victims; SNAP responds
For decades our legal system – both civil and criminal, at the federal, state and local level – has respected the privacy rights of proven and alleged child sex abuse victims. So has neary every journalist.
CA- SNAP urges compassion for alleged Jackson victim
Wade Robson's lawsuit against Michael Jackson's estate might be quickly dismissed by some. But not by us.
HI- Man sues Honolulu Diocese for abuse and cover-up
We applaud this brave man for coming forward and using the tried-and-true court system to expose crimes committed against him.
NY/NJ- Cardinal Dolan claims to be “powerless;” SNAP responds
NY Cardinal Timothy Dolan’s PR man is lying. He claims that Dolan is powerless to do anything about embattled Newark Archbishop John Myers.
IL- A letter to Mr. Skogsbergh of Advocate Health Care
Mr. James H. Skogsbergh
President and Chief Executive Officer
Advocate Health Care
2025 Windsor Drive
Oak Brook, Il 60523
Dear Mr. Skogsbergh:
MD- Catholic teacher accused; SNAP responds
Our hearts ache for parents at this school who must be upset about the child sex allegations and the vague way school officials are dealing with them. Parents and the public need and deserve straight answers about possible child sex crimes. It’s disturbing to see Catholic officials leaving families in the dark about such serious matters.
MO- Archbishop blasted over announcement regarding predator
A St. Louis priest has been “permanently removed from active ministry” - but apparently not defrocked - 31 years after the first of at least five child sex abuse accusations against him surfaced. And a local support group for victims is criticizing the archdiocese for not evidently supervising the cleric for the last 11 years and for what it calls “a hurtful and gratuitous announcement” about the defrocking.
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