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).
US - Lawsuit filed against Moose Intl CEO, SNAP responds
We applaud Jason Peck who is filing a child sex abuse lawsuit against the head of a huge non-profit called Moose International.
MA - A decade later, Cardinal Law is still the only official punished by the church
Catholic officials admit that more than 6,000 US priests are proven, admitted or credibly accused child molesters. Yet no US bishop has ever been punished by the church hierarchy because of the abuse crisis – no matter how extensive, egregious or recent his wrongdoing may have been. None.
PA - Another lawsuit filed against the BSA in PA, SNAP responds
Another lawsuit has been filed against the Boy Scouts of America, alleging childhood sexual abuse in the late 1980’s.
AUS- Vatican appoints Archbishop as papal nuncio for Australia, SNAP responds
The Vatican has promoted Archbishop Paul Gallagher to become the new papal nuncio for Australia.
MA- Filipino priest extradited back to the USA to face child porn charges, SNAP responds
We are glad that Fr. Lowe Dongor surrendered to Filipino police, after more than a year on the run. Fr. Dongor is wanted for possession of child pornography and theft.
Victim of Giddings Lovejoy Presbytery speaks out
We’re here outside the St. Louis area Presbyterian headquarters because of the bravery of Gary Cave, the crimes of Rev. Michael W. Jackson, and the inadequate response by Presbyterian officials.
NY - Sex abuse case moves forward, SNAP responds
We applaud these brave victims who have come forward and revealed the abuse they suffered. Because of their actions children are safer.
MO - Abuse victims comment on accusations vs. Board of Education chair
We're disturbed by Rev. Stan Archie's response to allegations that he sexually exploited a church member.
DE - Victims blast judge's decision in pedophile priest case
We're very disappointed by this ruling. Kids are safest when we know more, not less, about child molesters.
IL - Predator priest wins ruling
The priest always seems to land on his feet. He pled guilty to child sex crimes. Still, he was hired to work for the archdiocese.
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