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).
MS - Trial against John Langworthy set to proceed, SNAP responds
We are grateful that the case against Rev. John Langworthy will move forward. Delaying or denying the trial would only have endangered kids and hurt victims.
MS - Victims urge "action," not "waiting" in child sex abuse case
A Hinds County judge will decide whether Rev. John Langworthy, who has admitted to “sexual indiscretions” with boys in Mississippi and Texas will be prosecuted or freed.
OH - Ex-Ohio priest admits molesting kids; SNAP responds
A priest who studied and worked in Columbus “had a series of inappropriate experiences with teenage boys” taking at least three of them “on overnight trips, intent on teaching them how to masturbate.” He also claims he was “bullied by fellow classmates into (masturbating) at his Catholic high school in Columbus” (according to news accounts this morning).
WA - Diocese of Yakima discloses abuse by priest, SNAP responds
While we’re glad Yakima Catholic officials admit that Fr. Hilario Ramirez is a credibly accused child molester, we’re sad that they’ve delayed this disclosure for months and are apparently refusing to give many details.
KY - Judge sets trial date for priest with illness, SNAP applauds decision
We are glad that a trial date for the case against Fr. James Schook has been set. Justice for his victims shouldn’t be further delayed or potentially lost simply because Schook is in ill health. Trials are meant to bring closure for the abused, not comfort for the abuser. Further delays are unnecessarily hurtful to Fr. Schook’s victims.
NY - Diocese of Rockville Centre knew of abusive priest’s history
A priest that was suspended from the Diocese of Vancouver for sexual impropriety and later resurfaced in Long Island, NY is now being sued by one of his victims.
CAN - SNAP applauds lawsuit filed against Diocese of Vancouver
An Arizona woman has filed a lawsuit against a priest from the Diocese of Vancouver for sexual abuse that occurred in the 1980’s.
PA - Pastor arrested for stalking, SNAP responds
We are grateful to the police for apprehending Pastor Aron Andronie. Stalking is a serious crime and stalkers often escalate to more violent behavior, so we are glad that this dangerous man is off the street.
IN - Attorneys defend judgement against priest, SNAP responds
Attorneys in Indiana are defending a judgement won by a victim of sex abuse by a catholic priest.
Copy of the Moose International lawsuit
A copy of the lawsuit filed today against Moose International CEO William Airey is available here.
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