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 Kansas City, it's déjà vu all over again
The following column by Barbara Blaine is reprinted from today's National Catholic Reporter.
Here's how The Kansas City Star reported the new development:
"Allegations that a priest has molested a child can no longer be kept secret within the Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph [Mo.]," according to a policy approved by Kansas City's Catholic bishop.Bevilacqua's hearing postponed, SNAP responds
We’re disappointed in this delay. The boys and girls who were sexually violated because of the actions of Lynn, Bevilacqua, Rigali and other church bureaucrats deserve timely justice.
Church official gripes re: “distortion;” SNAP responds
Msgr. Lynn now claims that some have a ‘distorted’ view because his words, under oath, are available to the public now. How ironic.
Baptist official is arrested on child sex charges – SNAP responds
We’re grateful that this child molesting cleric has been arrested. For the safety of kids, we hope he stays locked up for a long time.
We hope that any church officials who knew of or suspected Langworthy’s crimes but kept silent face criminal charges as well. Shame on them for keeping quiet about devastating child sex crimes.
School head arrested; SNAP responds
We applaud Citrus Heights police for their commitment to finding the truth about Robert Adams. We hope that others who saw, suspected or suffered his crimes will call law enforcement.
SNAP to bishop: "Get up, go to parishes, do outreach!"
- SNAP to Finn: Do outreach now
- Group wants serial predator jailed
- He’s accused of molesting 27 children
- One of them, suit says, committed suicide
- Pedophile priest might be prosecuted, victims say
- But that won’t likely happen unless bishop takes action
- SNAP: “Go to each parish & beg victims & witnesses to call cops”
Victims hope for jail term in church child sex case
We hope that Willis is locked up for a long time so he won’t be able to hurt any more children. And we hope that other church officials – who concealed his crime and shamed his victim – will also be held responsible in court for their incredible and inexcusable callousness.
What's the difference between O'Brien and Ratigan?
We both applaud, and ache for, this brave family. We believe the courage they are showing today will help expose the truth, give consolation to other suffering families, and help enable other victims who are trapped in shame, secrecy and self blame to step forward into the light of healing, justice and prevention.
St. Louis' most prolific predator priest is sued again
Michael McGrath has molested more St. Louis kids than any other Catholic priest, nun, brother or seminarian. Still, he walks free, largely because his church supervisors protected him for years.
It's tragic that Archbishop Carlson does nothing to warn the public about McGrath or help police pursue him.
Priest accused in new abuse suit is still on the job today? SNAP responds
Yesterday, another Kansas City area Catholic priest was accused in a civil lawsuit of molesting a child.
Today, that priest is apparently still on the job at his parish in Bethany. We’ve checked the websites of the diocese, the religious order which signs True’s paychecks, and several other resources. There’s no mention anywhere of anyone removing the priest from his post.
