California Diocese releases names of 34 Catholic priests accused of child sex abuse

The California Diocese of San Bernardino this week released 34 names of Catholic priests allegedly facing credible allegations of child sexual abuse since 1978. On Twitter, the church said it was ” of transparent action to promote healing”.

Some of the alleged incidents described next to the priests’ names date back to the 1960s. Many of the men were permanently banned from ministry in the diocese or died. Some priests have been arrested or suspended, while others have been reported to the religious order.

Church officials said 21 names had already appeared in the media, while 24 had been reported to the police. The names of five clergymen have never been made public before.

The release comes after similar action by the Diocese of San Diego, which included the Diocese of San Bernardino until 1978, when they separated. The Diocese of San Diego has released the names of 51 priests “where the diocese has received a credible allegation of child sexual abuse.”

Bishop Gerald Barnes of San Bernardino posted a letter online after Monday’s revelation, urging any victim of abuse by a local priest to call a hotline.

He said: “As we…address the past and present realities of the clergy sex abuse crisis, I have made the decision to release the names of all priests who have ministered in the Diocese of San Bernardino. and who have credible allegations of the sexual abuse of a minor.”

The diocese today released the names of all priests credibly accused of child sexual abuse (since 1978). This is an action of transparency intended to promote the healing of victims and faithful Catholics. See the list at https://t.co/UC0fq4NEtJ

— SanBernardinoDiocese (@sbdiocese) October 8, 2018

He continued, “As we read this list, we are pained to think of the many lives that have been touched by the sinful and unlawful acts of those priests who committed them. Some will recognize names on this list, others will recognize parish communities where It makes this crisis more local to us and can heighten our feelings of sadness and outrage.

“I repeat my past encouragement that if you or someone you know has been sexually abused by a church minister, including anyone you see on this list, please come forward and report it,” Barnes said. .

A Catholic priest prays during mass. The Diocese of San Bernardino this week released a list of 34 priests it says have faced credible allegations of child sexual abuse since 1978.
iStock

In August, a Pennsylvania grand jury released a report detailing the extent of sexual abuse inside the church in six local dioceses. He identified more than 1,000 child victims.

Last week, a California man sued the Vatican, demanding the names of priests linked to sexual abuse around the world, CBS Los Angeles first reported.

Recently, Pope Francis, who has been accused of covering up abuse allegations, appeared to blame the devil for dividing the Church. “These days it seems the Grand Accuser has gone wild and is going after the bishops,” he said on 9/11.

In August, the pope declined to address allegations made by Archbishop Carlo Viganò, who said Francis knew about Cardinal Theodore McCarrick’s sexual misconduct and failed to act. “I won’t say a single word about it,” the pope said, according to the Catholic News Agency. But on October 6, church officials announced an investigation into the McCarrick case.

“The Holy See is aware that, from the examination of the facts and circumstances, it may emerge that choices have been made which would not be in conformity with a contemporary approach to these questions,” conceded a statement from the Vatican.

Below are the version names of the Diocese of San Bernardino. An asterisk has been placed next to names not previously reported in the media. More information about the clergy can be found here.