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).
MO - Victims to KC bishop: “Stay home”
A support group for clergy sex abuse victims is urging controversial Kansas City Bishop Robert Finn to stay home next week and “show contrition” - for acting “recklessly, callously and deceitfully” in clergy sex abuse cases - by skipping the annual meeting of America’s Catholic bishops.
IL - Offending bishop may be returned to ministry
A support group for clergy sex abuse victims has learned that sexual misconduct accusations against a Chicago bishop have been deemed “credible” by Orthodox church officials, but the bishop may be returned to active ministry later.
NV - "Las Vegas bishop must act now," victims group says
A Las Vegas jury has awarded $500,000 to a man who was sexually abused as a boy by Fr. James Patrick Feeney.
PA - SNAP applauds charges filed against ex-PSU President
Today, charges were formally filed against former Penn State President Graham Spanier. He faces eight charges including conspiracy to commit perjury, failing to report child abuse, obstructing justice, and endangering the welfare of children.
MO - Convicted predator priest seeks his freedom today
We applaud Mark and the other brave victims of this dangerous predator; they are courageously cooperating with prosecutors to keep a shrewd serial child molester away from kids.
IN - Pastor alleged to have abused handicapped child, SNAP responds
An Indiana pastor has been arrested for abusing a handicapped 14-year-old girl.
OH - Student advisor sentenced to one year in prison, SNAP responds
A Cincinnati judge has sentenced a student advisor to one year in prison after he pled guilty to molesting at least two boys at a school for the deaf.
NC - Scoutmaster in NC admits abusing kids, SNAP responds
A scoutmaster who was named in the BSA’s “perversion files” today admitted his guilt, but said he did so under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
AL - Case against youth minister settled, SNAP responds
We are grateful to the police and prosecutors who worked for justice on behalf of the young victim of William David Webb, and to the judge for handing down this large settlement. We believe that this stiff punishment will send a message to other would-be wrongdoers that their crimes will be caught and they will be punished severely, and will also help bring closure to the victim.
MS - Police, prosecutors, and victims must do more, SNAP says
An admitted child predator may evade justice using a technicality, so police, prosecutors and victims must re-double their efforts to find others who saw, suspected or suffered misdeeds by John Langworthy.
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