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).
Five Delbarton Monks and One Lay Teacher Accused of Abuse, SNAP Responds
Five more monks and one lay teacher who lived and worked at Delbarton School in New Jersey have been accused of abuse in new lawsuits, including one monk – Fr. Benedict Worry – who is believed to currently be living at the school. We applaud these brave survivors who brought these claims forward and are confident that their information will help prevent future cases of sexual abuse.
Statement of SNAP Regarding a Motion to Dismiss the Federal Bankruptcy of the Archdiocese of New Orleans
The legal counsel for the Abuse Survivor’s Creditors Committee filed a motion Friday, July 3rd, to dismiss the Archdiocese of New Orleans Chapter 11 bankruptcy on the grounds of “bad faith.” The attorneys also claimed that the Archdiocese pursued this bankruptcy to gain a litigation edge over current and future sexual abuse survivors’ claims for justice. The lawyers cited two cases from the Fifth Circuit where defendants used this tactic to gain such an advantage.
SNAP Stands in Support of Danny Lavery and Calls for Investigation into Menlo Church
A whistleblower who came forward with proof that a megachurch pastor allowed an admitted pedophile to continue working as a volunteer around children is now facing blowback from the church community and their own family. We in SNAP stand in support of this brave whistleblower who risked their reputation and livelihood in order to protect children from abuse.
New Lawsuit Filed Against Diocese of Allentown and St. Theresa of The Child of Jesus Catholic School
Another lawsuit has been filed against the Diocese of Allentown and a Catholic school in Pennsylvania. We applaud the brave victim in this case and hope his example inspires others to come forward.
Diocese of Baton Rouge Adds Name of Priest First Accused in 1994
Catholic officials in Baton Rouge have added the name of a “credibly accused" priest to their public list of abusers. This cleric was first accused in 1994, so we call on them to immediately explain the delay.
Former Sunday School Director Indicted on Rape Charges
A Catholic Sunday school teacher in Tennessee has been indicted on numerous charges related to child sexual abuse that occurred between 2013 and 2017. We applaud the brave young victim in this case for coming forward and reporting Michael Lewis, helping to ensure that other children are not hurt.
Missouri Priest Accused of Abuse Resigns After Allegation Deemed “Credible”
A Catholic priest accused of abuse in the Diocese of Jefferson City has resigned his position following a determination that the allegation was “credible” but not able to be corroborated. We are disturbed that diocesan officials are speaking out of both sides of their mouth in this situation and hope that others who may have knowledge in this case will come forward to police and prosecutors.
Survivors in New Orleans Robbed of Day in Court as Deacon George Brignac Dies in Jail
A serial sexual predator from New Orleans has died in jail while awaiting trial on charges of child sexual abuse. Our hearts ache for his victims who were denied their day in court and decry the minimization and cover-ups by the Archdiocese of New Orleans that allowed him to abuse so many.
New Lawsuit Filed Against the Diocese of Greensburg
A new lawsuit has been filed against the Catholic Diocese of Greensburg. We applaud this brave survivor for coming forward and hope that this news will encourage others who may have been hurt in Pennsylvania to come forward and find help and healing.
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