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).
In Defense of Margaret Mata
She didn’t want more money. She wasn’t seeking a promotion. She didn’t ask for a broader job title. She wasn’t trying to push anyone else aside.
She just wanted to help. And she was punished for it.
SNAP praises 44 brave victims
We belong to self-help group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests Our mission is to heal the wounded and protect the vulnerable.
In 2002, after decades of widespread and heinous clergy sex crimes and cover ups and facing a firestorm of public outrage, every US bishop promised to reform. They promised to to be honest about clergy sex crimes. They promised to promptly suspend suspected predators. They promised to immediately call police.
SNAP responds to disturbing legal maneuver in Missouri
This is the most disturbing legal move – by both Missouri judges and by Missouri Catholic officials – which we’ve ever seen.
Yesterday, the state Supreme Court has turned down an appeal by a St. Louis man in what we consider an unprecedented, bizarre and dangerous move. It lets the St. Louis archdiocese escape responsibility for a known predator priest’s crimes. The reason: because the predator molested victims “off premises” at a private home, not on church grounds.
SNAP responds to Zubik's public declaration
Victims blast Chaput for supporting accused criminal
For the second time, Philly’s new archbishop has expressed clear support for a credibly accused priest who may soon be deemed a criminal for enabling child sex crimes while apparently expressing no concern for vulnerable kids, wounded adults or learning the truth in court about an alleged criminal.
SNAP Statement on Fr. Stephen Wise
We are child sex abuse victims who belong to a support group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. Our goal is to protect the vulnerable and heal the wounded.
We’re here for three reasons today:
SNAP decries horrific abuse at St. Michael's Home in Houston
We belong to a confidential, independent support group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAPnetwork.org). Our mission is to protect the vulnerable and heal the wounded.
We’re here today with several messages for several audiences.
SNAP applauds indictment for ex-minister Langworthy
Today John Langworthy was indicted by a grand jury for eight counts of felony gratification for molesting five boys in the 1980’s. We are grateful to the secular authorities who pursued the claims against this predator and we are glad that the brave men and women on this jury decided to bring charges against this dangerous pedophile.
SNAP calls for investigation into Dallas Episcopal Church
We belong to a confidential, independent support group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAPnetwork.org). Our mission is to protect the vulnerable and heal the wounded.
Victims respond: Lockeford priest accused of abuse by second child, remains in ministry
We are saddened and disturbed to learn that despite a second allegation of abuse by Fr. Michael Kelly, Stockton Diocese officials still refuse to remove him from active ministry with children and families. Despite years of telling Catholics about child safety "reforms," Stockton Bishop Blaire still cannot do the one easy and simple thing to keep kids safe.
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