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SNAP Media Events
SNAP Press Event in Houma on Thursday
Victims charge Houma Catholic church is ‘reckless’ on abuse
Group says diocese ‘is still hiding at least 4 local perpetrators’
Other dioceses post their names & say the allegations are ‘credible’
SNAP: “But Houma officials refuse, leaving kids at risk & victims wounded”
Support group also alerts child victims to an unusual new legal opportunity
New law means that anyone molested at any time by anyone can now sue
‘By coming forward, the wounded can protect the vulnerable,’ survivors say
WHAT
Holding signs and childhood photos at a sidewalk news conference, clergy sex abuse victims will
--write on a sidewalk the names of four publicly accused clerics who are or were in the Houma-Thibodaux diocese but are largely ‘under the radar’ and are still being hidden by local church officials, and
---urge anyone “with information or suspicions about known or possible abusers” to call police, not church staff, contact SNAP and “protect others and start healing.”
They will also urge Catholics to join with them in spreading awareness of an “unusual and ground-breaking child safety law” that “enables virtually any child sex abuse victim to sue, no matter how long ago the crime happened, so that the truth will be known about every bishop, priest, brother, nun, seminarian, or layperson who hurt kids.”
WHEN
Thursday, Oct. 10 at 11:15 a.m.
WHERE
On the sidewalk outside the Cathedral of St. Francis, 500 Goode St. in Houma (985-876-6904)
WHO
Two child sex abuse victims who belong to a support group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAPnetwork.org), including a Missouri man who for 30 years was the organization’s national director
SNAP Press Event in Baton Rouge on Wednesday
Abuse victims blast Baton Rouge bishop
He’s hiding at least three ‘credibly accused’ abusive priests
Other church officials say allegations against the men are ‘credible’
SNAP: “If church officials are hiding them, what else might they be hiding?”
Support group also alerts child victims to unusual new legal opportunity
New law means that anyone molested at any time by anyone can now sue
‘By coming forward, the wounded can protect the vulnerable,’ victims say
WHAT
Using sidewalk chalk, while holding signs and childhood photos, clergy sex abuse victims will write on a sidewalk the names of three publicly accused child molesting clerics who are NOT on the Baton Rouge Catholic bishop’s ‘credibly accused’ list and thus remain largely ‘under the radar.’
They will also urge
---Catholics and others to “spread the word” about an unusual new Louisiana law that will make kids safer by enabling victims of childhood sexual abuse to sue those who committed or concealed the crimes - no matter how long ago they were violated, and
---those with information or suspicions about ANY other known or possible perpetrators to a) call police, not church staff, and b) contact SNAP.
WHEN
Wednesday, Oct. 9, at 2 PM
WHERE
On the sidewalk outside St. Joseph Cathedral, 401 Main Street (corner of 4th) in Baton Rouge
WHO
Two child sex abuse victims who belong to a support group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAPnetwork.org), including a Missouri man who for 30 years was the organization’s national director
SNAP Press Event in Lafayette on Wednesday
New perpetrator priest lawsuit is filed
Victims also blast local bishop over ‘continued secrecy’
SNAP: He’s hiding at least 3 ‘credibly accused’ abusive priests
They’re still alive, so they may still be a threat to kids, group says
Other church officials say charges against them are substantiated
But their names are NOT on the official Lafayette diocese list
Victims also urge greater awareness of new state child molestation law
WHAT
Holding signs and childhood photos at a sidewalk news conference, abuse victims will announce and discuss a new child sexual abuse and cover up lawsuit against ‘the most notorious child molesting’ cleric in Louisiana history.
Using chalk, they will also write on a sidewalk the names of several publicly accused pedophile priests who have spent time in the Lafayette area but are NOT on the Lafayette bishop’s ‘credibly accused’ list.
And they will also “urge anyone who may have seen, suspected or suffered ANY other known or possible abuse to a) call police, not church staff, and b) contact SNAP.
WHEN
Wednesday, Oct. 9 at 11:00 a.m.
(NOTE: The group will hold a similar event in Baton Rouge later the same day, Wednesday, October 9 at 2 p.m.)
WHERE
On the sidewalk outside the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, the address for the Cathedral is 914 St. John Street, Lafayette, LA, press conference will be at 515 Cathedral. Call if you can't locate them: David, 314-566-9790 (Cathedral phone: 337-232-1322)
WHO
Two child sexual abuse victims who belong to a support group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAPnetwork.org), including a Missouri man who for 30 years was the organization’s national director
SNAP Press Event in Alexandria on Tuesday
Victims blast Alexandria bishop on child abuse
They say he’s “concealing four publicly accused priests"
Other church officials admit charges against them are ‘credible’
SNAP: “If church officials are hiding these guys, what else might they be hiding?”
Support group also alerts child victims to unusual new legal opportunity
New law means that anyone molested at any time by anyone can now sue
‘By coming forward, the wounded can protect the vulnerable,’ victims say
WHAT
Holding signs and childhood photos, clergy sexual abuse victims will
---disclose four publicly &/or ‘credibly accused’ priests who were in the Alexandria diocese but are NOT on the local Catholic bishop’s official ‘accused’ list, and
---write their names - and names of other alleged pedophile priests - on the sidewalk with chalk.
The victims will also urge
---Catholics to “spread the word” about a new Louisiana law that “helps protect kids and expose predators” by enabling “anyone abused at any time by any one” to file a civil lawsuit against “both the actual perpetrators and those who enabled their crimes” and
---anyone with information or suspicions about ANY other known or possible abuser to a) call police, not church staff, and b) contact their SNAP.
WHEN
Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 2:00 p.m.
WHERE
On the sidewalk outside St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, 626 4th St. in Alexandria (318-445-1451)
WHO
Two child sexual abuse victims who belong to a support group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAPnetwork.org), including a Missouri man who for 30 years was the organization’s national director
SNAP Press Event in Lake Charles on Tuesday
Abuse victims blast Lake Charles bishop
He’s hiding at least four ‘credibly accused’ abusive priests
Other church officials say allegations against the men are ‘credible’
SNAP: “If church officials are hiding them, what else might they be hiding?”
Support group also alerts child victims to unusual new legal opportunity
New law means that anyone molested at any time by anyone can now sue
‘By coming forward, the wounded can protect the vulnerable,’ victims say
WHAT
Using sidewalk chalk, and holding signs and childhood photos, clergy sex abuse victims will write on the sidewalk the names of child-molesting clerics, at least four of whom have been left off the Lake Charles Catholic bishop’s ‘credibly accused’ abusers ist.
Holding signs and childhood photos, they will also
---urge Catholics to join with them in spreading awareness of an “unusual and groundbreaking child safety law” that “enables virtually any child sex abuse victim to sue, no matter how long ago the crime happened,” and
---urge those with information or suspicions about ANY other known or possible perpetrator to a) call police, not church staff, and b) contact their support group.
WHEN
Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at 11 AM
(NOTE: The group will hold a similar event in Alexandria later the same day, Tuesday 10/8 at 2 p.m.)
WHERE
On the sidewalk outside the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 935 Bilbo St. in Lake Charles (337-436-7251)
WHO
Two child sexual abuse victims who belong to a support group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAPnetwork.org), including a man who for 30 years was the organization’s national director
More clergy abusers named in lawsuit-SNAP news conf Thurs 9/19 @ 11a.m. in Jeff City
Victims say top Catholic official is 'becoming worse' on abuse
They write names of 'credibly accused perpetrators' on sidewalk
Newly filed civil lawsuit targets four or five priests accused of abuse
SNAP: But Jeff City bishop refuses to 'reveal even one fact' about them
Group wants Bp. McKnight to disclose who 'Fr. Dave' is and where he is now
And it 'especially urges' those who were hurt as adults to 'come forward & get help'
WHAT
Holding signs and childhood photos at a sidewalk news conference, abuse victims will discuss a new lawsuit filed last week accusing four or five Jefferson City area Catholic priests of child sexual crimes and adult sexual misconduct. They will also prod Jefferson City's Catholic bishop to reveal more information about
--the four newly-accused abusers - including which are alive and where they are now
--all of the clerics on his 'credibly accused' abusers list, including their photos and complete lists of each parish where they worked.
Using chalk, they will write the names of the 10-12 proven, admitted and 'credibly accused' priests who are or were in the Jeff City area and are still alive.
And they will call on
--anyone who was 'sexually manipulated, exploited or victimized' as an adult to 'speak up, protect others and start healing,' and
--state lawmakers to reform Missouri's 'archaic, arbitrary and predator-friendly' statute of limitations on child sexual crimes.
WHEN
Thursday, Sept. 19 at 11:00 a.m.
WHERE
On the sidewalk outside Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (where one of the priests is accused of abusing a woman), 1206 E. McCarty in Jefferson City (573 635 6143)
WHO
Two abuse victims including a mid-Missouri native who for 30 years led SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAPnetwork.org) and who sued the Jefferson City diocese years ago
New boarding school abuse suit & upcoming big trial-SNAP presser Fri. Sept. 6 @ 1:15 p.m.
Young abuse victim files unusual suit vs. sheriff’s department
He charges staffers 'committed & concealed' crimes against kids
The victim, now 23, was assaulted in 2015 & speaks for the 1st time
And a criminal trial vs. Christian school's co-founder starts next month
Missouri’s 'most prolific female predator' faces dozens of charges & civil suits
In last minute plea, SNAP says 'victims, witnesses & whistleblowers must speak now'
WHAT
Holding signs and childhood photos at a sidewalk news conference, a 23 year old abuse victim will speak publicly for the first time and will announce his unusual new lawsuit. It charges that a southern Missouri sheriff’s department repeatedly ignored, concealed and committed abuses at a Christian facility for 'troubled' children and seeks four unprecedented reforms that will help prevent similar crimes.
Separately, next month, a long-awaited criminal trial against Missouri’s most notorious serial boarding school abuser begins. So abuse victims are making 'a last-ditch plea' to 'anyone who saw, suspected or suffered wrongdoing' by the female defendant to 'help prosecutors lock her up by coming forward to law enforcement now.'
And they will beg anyone with information or suspicions about crimes at Christian boarding schools to 'come forward, protect others and get healing.'
WHEN
TOMORROW, Friday, Sept. 6 at 1:15 p.m.
WHERE
On the sidewalk just south of the Charles E. Whittaker US Federal Courthouse, 400 E. 9th St., corner of Oak, (in Ilus Davis Park) in Kansas City, MO
WHO
The 23 year old plaintiff and victim who is suing, two other survivors/advocates and a St. Louis man who was abused as a boy and is the volunteer Missouri director of a support group called SNAP (the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAPnetwork.org)
Spgfld MO event: Horrific new boarding school abuse case filed & big trial looms
New horrific abuse suit filed vs. Christian boarding school
As a 13 year old, the victim suffered ‘torture’ in 2019 & 2020
She’s now just 18, making her the youngest to take legal action
Prominent local pastor reportedly ‘hid children’ from state authorities
He’s named as a defendant and SNAP says he should be fired or resign
A high profile criminal trial against school’s co-founder starts next month
She faces dozens of charges & civil suits; case will be heard in Stockton
In last minute plea, SNAP says ‘victims, witnesses & whistleblowers must speak up now’
WHAT
At a sidewalk news conference, holding signs and childhood photos, abuse survivors will
-- announce the filing of a “horrific” new abuse and cover up lawsuit against a controversial Christian boarding school for girls in southwest Missouri,
-- call for a prominent local pastor, named as a defendant in the suit, to resign or be fired, and
-- urge others to help prosecutors convict a female serial abuser by contacting law enforcement before her trial next month if they “saw, suspected or suffered her crimes.”
WHEN
Wednesday, Sept. 4, at 1:15 p.m.
WHERE
On the sidewalk outside the federal courthouse at 222 S. John Q. Hammons Pkwy (between Broadway and Washington) in Springfield MO
WHO
Two-three victims and anti-abuse advocates, including a Drury University graduate and child sex abuse survivor who for 30 years headed SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAPnetwork.org)
WHY
--1) The suit is being filed by girl who - as a 13 year old in 2019 and 2020 - was repeatedly subjected to “torture” and “physical, sexualized and mental abuse” at Circle of Hope Girls Ranch in Humansville (in Polk County, 40 minutes north of Springfield.) Now 18, she’s the youngest victim to sue the facility.
Among the offenses alleged in the suit: trafficking, involuntary servitude, brainwashing children, defrauding parents, child sexual abuse, and negligently hiring staff, negligently supervising staff and kids and intentionally inflicting emotional distress.
One of the defendants is Rev. Jeff Ables of Berean Baptist in Springfield (507 East Norton Rd, [email protected], 417.833.1529). He allegedly “hid children” from DCFS,” according to the suit, and refused to report abuses to authorities even though he’d been told of the crimes as far back as 2008.
Some of the abuses were sadistic and bizarre, the suit says, such as withholding food as punishment and force-feeding kids until they threw up and then forcing them to eat their vomit.
Staffers shoved the victim’s face into manure, put Wasabi sauce in her mouth and forced her to watch as other girls were “punched in the face, choked, beaten and whipped.”
The victim, identified only as Jane Doe, will NOT be at the news conference. She lives in Kansas City and is represented by KC attorney Rebecca Randles (816 931 9901).
2)) Next month, Missouri’s most notorious Christian boarding school abuser goes on trial facing 22 counts of child abuse and neglect. She is Stephanie Householder who, for years, along with her husband, ran two Christian boarding schools for ‘troubled kids’ in southern Missouri. (Before he died in June, her spouse Boyd was charged with 79 similar counts.)
https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article289535052.html
SNAP is begging other victims, witnesses and whistleblowers to contact the FBI or the Missouri attorney general’s office before the widely-anticipated trial begins next month in Stockton.
“Over decades, hundreds of kids suffered because of the Householders,” said David Clohessy of SNAP. “So please, don’t sit back and be silent. If you saw, suspected or suffered abuse at these schools, help prosecutors get her locked up by coming forward now to the attorney general’s office, local law enforcement or SNAP.”
Dozens of ex-students accuse the Householders of using “brutal restraints, excessive workouts in extreme temperatures, psychological and sexual abuse” and withholding food and water as punishment. According to the AP, 16 former residents said they were handcuffed, whipped with belts, had their mouths taped shut and were punched for minor offenses such as singing.
https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/midwest/2024/05/15/774285.htm
https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2024/06/after-ex-mo-boarding-school-owner-accused/
In recent years, criminal charges, civil lawsuits, and media reports have exposed shocking and severe abuse of kids in at least three similar facilities in Missouri (Agape School in Stockton, Kanakuk Kamp near Branson and ABM Ministries, a.k.a. Lighthouse Christian Academy, in Piedmont.)
https://www.davidclohessy.com/blog/2nd-letter-to-mo-ag-bailey-re-boarding-schools
CONTACT
David Clohessy 314 566 9790, [email protected] (davidclohessy.com)
Media Statements
Victim of the 1st US Catholic priest to be exposed nationally for child sexual abuse has died; SNAP reacts
For Immediate Release: March 14, 2025
A man who was sexually abused as a child by the first Catholic priest to attract national media attention was beaten to death earlier this month. Our hearts ache for his family and loved ones in the wake of this tragic loss. We have only heard Scott Anthony Gastal's public story, but those who knew Scott personally realize that he was more than the worst thing that happened to him, and we hope that they will share that side of Scott in the coming days.
SNAP Louisiana leader, Letitia Peyton, called Scott’s murder was “a sad end to a life that was riddled with early childhood trauma.” But Letitia also credited Scott with “preventing so many other children from suffering the horrific abuse that he suffered,” and hailed him as “a truly brave little boy.”
Scott was repeatedly violated by Fr. Gilbert Gauthe. The priest was convicted in 1985 of abusing as many as 39 young children between 1972 and 1983. He spent 10 years in prison for those crimes. In 1997 he was convicted of abusing a 3 year old boy in Texas, where he now lives, and was sentenced to 7 months probation.
In 1986, at age 11, Scott courageously testified in open court that the priest had abused him so badly that he had to be hospitalized. Scott’s family ultimately won $1 million from the Diocese of Lafayette.
Sadly, the award did not end Scott’s suffering, which can be directly blamed on the Catholic officials who ignored, concealed, and enabled Fr. Gauthe’s horrific crimes.
Former Texas megachurch pastor indicted on 5 counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child; SNAP is grateful for the victim’s persistence
For immediate release: March 13, 2025
Robert Morris, founding pastor of a megachurch in Southlake, Texas, has been indicted on five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child yesterday. The indictment stems from accusations of child sexual abuse from the 1980s. Pastor Morris resigned from Gateway Church after the allegations became public last year.
SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, is grateful for the persistence of the victim, Cindy Clemishire. We believe that her courageous actions will help to protect today’s children. This indictment shows that no one is beyond the law, not even a powerful, wealthy church leader.
SNAP leaders travel to Rome to prepare survivors for future papal conclave
Rome, Italy - The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) announces that key members of its leadership team are currently in Rome launching a rigorous review of cardinals considered contenders for the papacy. While in Rome, SNAP officials, alongside international coalition partners, researchers, and other experts, will focus on each candidate’s record in handling clergy sexual abuse cases—both in their home countries and within the Vatican hierarchy.
Next Pope Must Institute A Zero Tolerance Law For Sexual Abuse
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 02/27/2025
The next pope must do what Francis refused: enact a universal zero tolerance law for abuse and cover-up
Sympathy for the pope must not mean ignoring his failure on abuse
Unlike Francis, Benedict XVI, and John Paul II, successor cannot have covered up sex crimes
Summary
- The next pope must institute a zero tolerance law for sexual abuse that immediately removes abusive clergy and leaders who have covered up abuse from ministry and mandates independent oversight of bishops. He must use his authority to enact fundamental, institutional changes to end the systematic practice of sexual abuse and its concealment.
-
The next pope must not have any history of having covered up sexual abuse.
- Because of his history of covering up abuse in Argentina, Francis never possessed the necessary credibility to overhaul the Vatican’s management of sexual abuse cases.
- None of Francis’ reforms or initiatives have produced actual “zero tolerance” for abuse or ended the culture of extreme secrecy and control that enables it.
As Pope Francis lies in the hospital, potentially facing the end of his life, survivors around the world are mourning what they perceive as the "tragedy" of his papacy—a preventable catastrophe for the children and vulnerable people who were abused during his tenure.
Peter Isely, a founder and Chair of Global Advocacy of the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests (SNAP) said, "Francis began his papacy by promising us and the world that he would put an end to clergy abuse and cover-up. If we had known then what we know now—that he himself covered up sexual crimes in Argentina before becoming pope and that, for twelve years, he failed to use his authority to implement a universal zero-tolerance policy—we would have felt very differently."
New Jersey Catholic Cardinal launches new probe of Seton Hall; SNAP calls it “unnecessary”
For Immediate Release: February 13, 2025
Cardinal Joseph Tobin of the Archdiocese of Newark said on Monday that he had hired a law firm to conduct a “comprehensive third-party review” of a 2019 investigation into sexual abuse at Seton Hall University. SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, calls the new investigation unnecessary. The group believes that it is nothing more than a tactic to delay the resolution of the issue of Monsignor Joseph Reilly’s appointment as President of Seton Hall. SNAP spoke out against the Monsignor’s appointment at the time, and asked for complete transparency. We still believe that this is the best way to resolve the controversy.
Although Monsignor Reilly was not himself accused of abuse, the 2019 investigation found that he knew about accusations of abuse on campus and did not report them as required. In reaction to the probe's findings, a "Responsive Action Plan" was developed, and a special task force was formed to carry out disciplinary actions. The task force recommended the Monsignor's removal from Seton Hall boards and leadership. The priest left the Board of Trustees and then stepped down as dean of the seminary. Less than three years after Monsignor Reilly was quietly sidelined, he was restored to active service, culminating in his elevation to the powerful position of University president.
New Jersey SNAP Leader, Mark Crawford wonders, “Why would we need an investigation of the original investigation? Why would anyone believe this isn’t a cover up of the cover up? Cardinal Tobin simply needs to release the original report to the public. Who would trust a report on the report?”
Abuse group seeks NFL probe of New Orleans Saints
Victims upset that the franchise helped Catholic officials
They charge that the Saints' conduct was detrimental to survivors
The nation's leading support group for clergy sexual abuse victims says that top officials with the New Orleans Saints flaunted National Football League (NFL) goals by working with Catholic officials to hide predators, thus endangering children and further wounding abuse victims. SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) wants the NFL to open an investigation into the Saint's actions.
The Saints are accused of colluding with the Archdiocese of New Orleans to modify the Archbishop’s list of abusers, pressure elected officials to turn a blind eye to the scandal, and to influence public opinion by putting pressure on media outlets to curtail their coverage. Drawn into this web of deceit are judges, lawyers and the ultra-rich. SNAP issued an earlier statement on the recent revelations about the disturbing involvement of the Saints in the Archdiocesan crisis.
Louisiana SNAP leader, Letitia Peyton, says in response to the news coverage, "The New Orleans Saints, the Catholic Church, and every institution wielding influence over our communities must do more than protect their own reputations. Prioritizing PR over survivors perpetuates harm."
In contrast, in response to the same media reports, NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell, called the New Orleans Saints a "great corporate citizen."
New report says 17 accused abusers are/were at IHOP; SNAP responds
For Immediate Release: February 5, 2025
According to a new report, at least 17 former or current staff members at the Kansas City-based International House of Prayer (IHOP) including founder Mike Bickle, are accused of sexual crimes and misdeeds. For the safety of the public, we hope that the additional 16 names are soon made public as well.
We also hope that a similar investigation into accusations at an orphanage run by a Union MO-based non-profit, Ninos de Mexico, due out later this year, will be even more thorough and detailed than the IHOP probe.
The scathing report on IHOP describes “a longstanding culture of systemic abuse and cover-up” within the community that apparently goes much deeper than just the wrongdoing of a few officials at the top.
We hope that law enforcement officials, in Missouri and elsewhere, will digest and circulate the information in this report. We hope they will use every means possible to beg others with knowledge or suspicions of similar crimes and cover-ups to come forward, so that at least a few of these accused abusers may face justice in court.
We also applaud the courage of Deborah Perkins, Tammy Woods, Terry Hartley, the Jane and John Does, and each person who found the strength and courage to report the horrors they endured. Society owes them a debt of gratitude and they deserve to be praised and thanked for their bravery and compassion.
Maryland's highest court upholds ending statute of limitations on child sex abuse lawsuits; SNAP delighted
For Immediate Release: February 5, 2025
On Monday, the Supreme Court of Maryland upheld the constitutionality of a state law that ended the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse lawsuits. SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, is ecstatic that the state’s highest court reached this decision.
Maryland SNAP leader David Lorenz called this ruling “a victory for survivors.” He continued, “They will finally get their chance at justice and being able to expose the predators that harmed them. The Catholic Church has not done that, and this law will allow that to happen."
NJ Catholic diocese used secret court hearing to block investigation of clergy sex abuse; SNAP outraged
For Immediate Release: February 5, 2025
New Jersey's attorney general launched an investigation into abuse by Roman Catholic clergy in the state more than five years ago. However, court documents recently obtained by The Record and NorthJersey.com revealed that the Diocese of Camden succeeded in quashing a key part of the investigation at a secret hearing almost two years ago. Representatives from all five of the state’s Catholic dioceses attended that proceeding. The ruling has now been appealed to the New Jersey Supreme Court.
SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, is outraged at this action by the New Jersey Catholic dioceses. As local SNAP leader Mark Crawford told Deena Yellin, the reporter who broke the story, “The bishops promised the public they would cooperate fully with the investigation, but meanwhile they secretly took this action to fight it."
More information on the involvement of major league sports teams in New Orleans with the Catholic Archdiocese’s list of abusers; SNAP reacts
For Immediate Release: February 3, 2025
An in-depth report released today by Ramon Antonio Vargas of the Guardian and David Hammer of WWL Louisiana revealed that high-level executives with the NFL’s New Orleans Saints football team and the NBA’s Pelicans basketball team had a deeper role than previously known in connection with the Archdiocese of New Orleans’ list of “credibly accused” clergymen. SNAP is certainly not surprised by these revelations.
When powerful institutions get together to hide something, the weak and vulnerable are inevitably the ones who are harmed. The news that two professional sports teams coordinated with the Archdiocese of New Orleans to apparently hide the names of abusers should signal that the sexual abuse scandal in the Catholic Church is more widespread and insidious than anyone could possibly imagine.
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).
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