PA - Predator priest’s bail is reduced; SNAP worries
For immediate release: Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2013
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 862 7688 home, 314 503 0003 cell, [email protected])
We are disappointed and worried by the bail reduction for Fr. Robert L. Brennan.
http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/local&id=9279874
Kids are safest when predators are jailed. And despite Fr. Brennan’s long ties to Philadelphia, we fear he may flee overseas if given a chance, knowing that he likely faces a long sentence if convicted.
Remember, Fr. Brennan is accused of molesting roughly 20 children. We believe he is still dangerous. And history, common sense and painful experience tells us that even when allegedly supervised, child predators – who are often shrewd and charismatic – find ways of getting access to and molesting other kids.
Moves like this bail reduction often discourage more victims, witnesses and whistleblowers from speaking up and reporting molesters.
Nevertheless, we hope every single person who saw, suspected or suffered clergy sex crimes and cover ups – by Fr. Brennan or any church employee - will speak up, expose wrongdoers, protect kids and start healing.
It’s worth noting that while he may be suspended from active ministry, Fr. Brennan is still a priest and thus still being paid by the Philadelphia Archdiocese. It is inaccurate to call him “an ex-priest.”
Contact - David Clohessy (314-566-9790 cell, [email protected]), Barbara Dorris (314-862-7688 home, 314-503-0003 cell, [email protected]), Bob Schwiderski (952 471 3422, [email protected])
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
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