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).
Ex-KC area seminarian pleads guilty to child porn
Nickolas Pinkston, a Warrensburg man who was studying to become a KC MO priest, has pled guilty to child porn charges while studying at a St. Louis seminary.
Accused KC priest is put back in parish, SNAP responds
A long time KC diocesan insider, Msgr. Robert Murphy, is going back into parish ministry full time. It’s an irresponsible and hurtful move by Bishop Finn that shows he still cares more about his guilty priests than his innocent flock.
What else is Cardinal Dolan hiding? SNAP asks
The disturbing new revelations about Cardinal Dolan raise a troubling question: What other secret deals and 'incentives' did and does he offer to pedophile priests?
Letter from SNAP to Archbishop Listecki
The following is a letter from leaders of SNAP Wisconsin to Archbishop Listecki of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. The letter deals with actions by former Archbishop of Milwaukee, Cardinal Timothy Dolan.
SNAP applauds removal of priest in Pittsburgh
It is a frightening fact that modern technology has greatly closed the gap between predators and children, and we urge parents to be vigilant about what kind of people are contacting their children online.
SNAP blasts Msgr. Lynn’s defense theory
Msgr. Lynn suggests he was overwhelmed and inexperienced, but apparently never once asked for additional personnel or training. He implies he got conflicting pressures but apparently never once sought clarity. He now blames others' "rules" but apparently never once objected to them or tried to change them.
SNAP blasts judge’s decision to delay priest sex abuse trial
We are disappointed by Jefferson Circuit Court Judge Mitch Perry’s decision to delay Rev. James R. Schook sex abuse trail by 7 months. Delays in sex abuse trials often send a frustrating message to victims of abuse.
KC bishop promotes “troubling” priest; SNAP responds
On Friday, in his diocesan newspaper Kansas City Bishop Robert Finn quietly disclosed his promotion of Fr. Patrick Rush, a priest who is closely connected with a number of proven, admitted and credibly accused child molesting clerics. For years, he was the second-in-command of the diocese. He has been named as a defendant, because of that role, in a number of child sex abuse and cover up lawsuits.
Predator priest jailed in Ontario, SNAP applauds sentence
We are grateful that this predator will be sent to jail for his crimes. Children are safer when predators are behind bars, and so for the next 15 months, parents in Ontario can breathe easier. We urge the Bishop of the Diocese of Hamilton, Bishop Douglas Crosby, to personally visit each parish where Fr. James Boudreau worked and beg victims and witnesses to come forward.
SNAP blasts promotion of Fargo Bishop
Today, the Vatican has announced that the bishop of the Diocese of Fargo, ND will be promoted to fill the role of archbishop in the Diocese of Denver which has been vacant since Archbishop Charles Chaput moved to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
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