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).
SNAP responds to death of Joe Paterno
We respectfully urge those who love Joe Paterno to think long and hard before publicly praising and honoring him. He clearly could and should have done more to stop his long time assistant coach Jerry Sandusky from sexually violating kids.
Deposition of a SNAP leader to be made public
Late yesterday, a judge “unsealed” the six hour deposition of SNAP Executive Director David Clohessy by five lawyers representing Kansas City Bishop Robert Finn and five Kansas City accused pedophile priests (Fr. Michael Tierney, Msgr. Thomas O’Brien, Fr. Mark Honhart, Fr. Francis McGlynn and Fr. Thomas Cronin). We will post it on our website as soon as we get a copy of the transcript. It ostensibly stems from a case called John Doe BP v. Fr. Michael Tierney and the Kansas City diocese and from one of three subpoenas that have been issued in recent weeks to victims who are SNAP leaders. This is the first time in SNAP’s 23 years that its staff has been subpoenaed.
Virginia Catholic cleric suspended; SNAP responds
A Virginia Catholic cleric has been suspended because of allegations of sexual misconduct in New Jersey.
Ex NJ Catholic cleric suspended; SNAP responds
A former Morristown Catholic cleric has been suspended from his post in Virginia because of allegations of sexual misconduct in New Jersey.
Why rush to make Mother Teresa a saint?
A newly-revealed letter strongly suggests that Mother Teresa lobbied Jesuit officials to put an accused pedophile priest put back on the job quickly.
Victims battle gag order
In a new court filing, a support group for clergy sex abuse victims is asking a Kansas City judge to let its director talk about a six hour deposition he was forced by church defense lawyers to give this week.
Three recent troubling NY clergy sex cases involving Dolan
In Milwaukee, Dolan posted names of child molesting clerics on his archdiocesan website. In New York, he refuses to take even this simple, inexpensive step toward protecting kids. He’s going backwards, not forwards, regarding child safety.
SNAP responds to promotion of Archbishop Timothy Dolan
As long as the Pope keeps promoting church officials who keep parishioners in doubt, victims in pain, and kids at risk, there will be more child sex crimes.
SNAP responds to Church seeking 19 year old victim's records
We are here today supporting a brave teenager who was physically assaulted by Fr. Joe Ross and is now being emotionally assaulted by Archbishop Robert Carlson.
SNAP responds, Federal grand jury indicts Pittsburgh priest
We're grateful that a federal grand jury indicted Fr. Sorenson on charges he possessed thousands of pornographic images of young boys. Children never deserve to be treated in such a harmful way, especially with such lifelong consequences that come with being sexually abused with child porn.
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