Diocese Adds Names to List of Priests Accused of Abuse

By Stephen Root
AZCentral
December 16, 2014

http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2014/12/16/12news-gallup-diocese-abuse-list/20506523/

The Catholic Diocese of Gallup New Mexico, the area of which reaches into parts of northern Arizona, has released 22 new names on

a list of priests it says have been "credibly accused" of sexually abusing minors

, according to its own investigation into the cases.

The additions bring the total number to 31 on a list of cases dating back to 1950. Some of the accused are already deceased, but at least one was working as a priest in Arizona as recently as last year.

"It brings back bad memories," said abuse survivor Joseph Baca on a 2013 trip to his boyhood church in Winslow, a place where he's believed to be one of at least 15 boys sexually abused by then-priest Father Clement Hageman.

"My abuse started when I was about 9 years old," Baca said. "I told my mom and she said no, I'm lying."

Tuesday's announcement was another small victory for victims like Baca. Seventeen of those named worked in churches across northern Arizona, in communities such as Flagstaff, Prescott, Holbrook and Show Low.

Some of the cases are decades old, and the priests involved are now dead, including Hageman, who died in 1975. Others are still alive. Father Timothy Conlon, one of the new additions, was working as recently as last year in St. Johns, Ariz.

"We definitely want to foster a sense of openness and transparency," said Diocese of Gallup spokeswoman Suzanne Hammons. "And to let people know in the future if they have allegations or issues, they want to come forward with that, we do take these things seriously."

On the diocese's website, dioceseofgallup.org, Bishop James Wall apologizes for the actions of those who violated people's trust, and promises continued vigilance. Part of his statement reads:

"The survivors who have come forward should be commended for their bravery and courage, and I express my deepest apologies for the actions of those who violated the trust of the survivors and the parishioners within the Diocese by committing these terrible acts. I reaffirm my commitment to protect our children and my commitment to continue to assist those who have been harmed."

The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, or SNAP, says releasing the names is a step in the right direction, but the church should be telling the public more.

"There could be photos of these men," said Barbara Dorris, SNAP victims outreach director. "Where are they now? What are they doing? Are they working in a day care? Are they mentoring kids? Are they coaching a team? Do they still have access to children?"

They're also calling for the dioceses in Phoenix and Tucson to do the same thing.

Hammons said the diocese won't release photos or current whereabouts of ex-priests who are still alive and on the list, to avoid unintended consequences, but she said the diocese has contacted local law enforcement of the areas where these ex-priests currently reside.