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).
NY Catholic officials keep silent about child porn for 9 months
Despite a decade of promises to be “open” about child sex crimes, New York Catholic officials have kept silent for nine months about child porn on an assistant principal’s school computer.
Group warns about just arrested priest
Group fears others have been hurt by Fr. Richard James Kurtz
Victims file formal complaint versus shrink
- Victims file formal complaint vs. shrink
- He should have refused to evaluate child porn priest
- Therapist advises group that helps convicted predators
- SNAP to KC bishop “Explain your controversial choice”
A Penn State professor is accused of abuse, top staffers allegedly ignored it
A second allegation of horrific child sex abuse at Penn State has been made, along with accusations that the university’s top staff ignored and concealed the crimes.
2 groups urge boycott of Catholic foundation
- Two groups say “donate elsewhere
- They’re upset over honor of bishop
- “Give more generously than ever,” advocates urge
- “But contribute to non-profits that help victims, not hurt victims,” organizations say
Victims blast archdiocese over missing predators’ names
Could Cardinal O’Malley be more self-serving? He’s a religious order cleric. So he keeps secret the names of dozens of religious order clerics who are proven, admitted and credibly accused child molesters.
Penn State probe must truly be independent; SNAP says
A panel of Penn State trustees that is supposedly looking into the university's abuse and cover up scandal will speak today.
Bishop to challenge US child porn laws; SNAP responds
Just when you think Kansas City Catholic officials can’t get any worse, now Bishop Robert Finn has indicated that he may try to overturn federal laws banning the production of child pornography.
Disgraced Cardinal Law "retires" but still has massive power
While Cardinal Bernard Law has been replaced as head of one of Rome’s most prestigious churches, the AP reports that he “remains a member of a half-dozen important Vatican congregations, including the office that helps the pope select bishops.”
Shocking disclosures in Joliet pedophile priest case; SNAP responds
Joliet Catholic church officials claim they’ve “lost” possible evidence of child porn by a priest. And they refused to give police records about that priest’s formal “evaluation.” Shame on them.
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