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  Fmr. St. Ignatius Priests Accused of Abuse; Names Withheld

By Bill Sheil
Fox 8
August 26, 2011

http://www.fox8.com/news/wjw-saint-ignatius-priest-abuse-names-kept-secret-txt,0,7012891.story

 

CLEVELAND— St. Ignatius High School said several students from the 1950's have come forward to accuse four priests of sexual abuse.

In a letter to alumni, Father Bill Murphy, president of St. Ignatius, wrote in part: "We do not tolerate any form of abuse, and we absolutely do not support any efforts to protect abusers."

Yet, through a spokesperson, the school refused to name the priests.

It said the allegations are under review internally and that all the priests have died.

The spokesperson said the school has no doubt about the credibility of the victims' stories, and acknowledged that none of the victims asked that the priests' names be kept secret.

In his letter, Father Murphy said a student from the 1950's wrote to classmates revealing abuse. That led to other stories of abuse.

Father Murphy said the school only recently became aware of the allegations.

"We're interested in finding out the whole truth of what went on here," Father Murphy said.

Father Murphy wrote in his letter that he offered his "most sincere apology" when speaking to the victims.

He told FOX 8 that sexual abuse is "something that absolutely stands against what we're about at St. Ignatius."

The school said the names of the priests are not being revealed "at this time."

A spokesperson said it's unclear if the names will ever be revealed.

 
 

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