Seattle Catholic Church Apologizes, Releases Names of Sexually Abusive Priests

By Richard D. Oxley
MyNorthwest
January 15, 2016

http://mynorthwest.com/11/2893118/Seattle-Catholic-church-apologizes-releases-names-of-sexually-abusive-priests

The Archdiocese of Seattle has released the names of dozens of its clergy members accused of sexual abuse.

Not only has it offered an exhaustive list of clergy members, it has offered an apology in a letter to "all who have been impacted by the sinful actions of sexual abuse of minors by clergy or religious brothers or sister."

"I express my deepest apologies for the actions of those who were in positions of trust and who violated that sacred trust by abusing the vulnerable in their care," said. Rev. J. Peter Sartain, Archbishop of Seattle. "Our work in this area will not be complete until all those who have been harmed have received assistance in healing, and until the evil of child sexual abuse has been eradicated from society."

The list of 77 clergy members contains priests, deacons and others who allegations of sexual abuse of a minor have been admitted, established or determined to be credible.

The list was released in an effort to establish "transparency and encourage persons of sexually abused clergy or by anyone working on behalf of the church to come forward," according to a statement from the church.

A full list of the clergy members can be found here.

The Archdiocese of Seattle began compiling the list with the help of an independent consultant beginning in 2014, according to Greg Magnoni, a spokesperson with the Archdiocese of Seattle. The process involved thousands of hours of research.

Many of the clergy on the list are deceased or laicized — removed from the church. Others are listed as "permanent prayer and penance." Church members service dates as far back as 1923, as were assigned to a wide range of locations throughout the region, including the St. James Cathedral, Seattle University, and O'Dea High School.

"Part of the reason why we are disclosing this list now is to encourage other victims to step forward, to allow us to begin the process of healing for them. We are hopeful that will be the result," Magnoni said.

If an allegation is found credible, then certain steps are taken.

"In every case of the individuals on this list, once the determination was made that the allegation was credible, law enforcement was contacted," Magnoni said.

"In each case, they are offered and opportunity to meet with the archbishop, to talk with him, so he can offer his personal apology to them," he said.

Survivors of sexual abuse from clergy are encouraged to contact the Archdiocese of Seattle's Pastoral Outreach Coordinator at 1-800-446-7762.