O'burg Diocese To Release Priest Names In Sex Abuse Scandal

WWNY TV
November 10, 2018

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The Catholic Diocese of Ogdensburg has decided to release the names of the remaining priests implicated in the long-running sex abuse scandal by members of the Catholic clergy.

In a letter distributed at weekend masses, Bishop Terry LaValley writes "While there are strong arguments for releasing the names and strong arguments for not releasing the names, recent controversies in the Church make it necessary for us to now release the names.

"The recent controversies and scandals have produced righteous anger, discouragement and frustration among the people of God. Increasingly, the faithful have called for the release of the names of those removed from ministry..."

The names will be posted to the Diocese web site, LaValley notes. No names were posted as of early Saturday evening. A report from the diocese in October disclosed that the diocese - which is the Catholic Church in northern New York - has paid out nearly $5.5 million to 37 victims of clergy sex abuse.

Although the names of several priests in the Diocese of Ogdensburg implicated in sex abuse have surfaced over the years, there have always been more names that have not been made public, despite pleas from some victims. It's not known how many more names there are, but church officials have said no new cases of abuse have surfaced in the last 20 years.

in his letter, Bishop LaValley notes "I know the release of names will cause pain for those on the list, their families, former parishioners and friends. There will be a need for compassion and understanding among all of us. While our main concern is the safety of our your people and helping victims find healing and peace, we must also strive to uphold the dignity of those removed from ministry."