Priests Credibly Accused of Sexual Abuse of a Minor

Catholic Diocese of Arlington
February 13, 2019

https://www.arlingtondiocese.org/clergyabuselist/

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Today I am fulfilling a commitment I made to publish a list of all clergy credibly accused of child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Arlington. I made this commitment in the hope that providing such a list might help some victims and survivors of clergy sexual abuse to find further healing and consolation.

The publishing of this list will bring a range of emotions for all of us. Embarrassment, frustration, anger and hurt are all natural emotions to experience in a time such as this. I share those emotions.

Today I also renew my commitment to continue to implement our policies and protocols, established in accord with the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops’ 2002 Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. These have proven to be effective in preventing abuse, standardizing reporting procedures to legal authorities and investigating allegations of sexual abuse of minors. Please know that I remain actively engaged in addressing these issues and pursuing ways to improve our existing efforts.

For victims and survivors of sexual abuse by members of the clergy, I remain open to meeting with you and hearing your stories. Having met with numerous victims and survivors of sexual abuse, both in group settings and in individual meetings, I continue to be inspired by your strength and your resolve.

I am deeply sorry for what has happened to you. You can be assured and confident of my ongoing pastoral care.

Through the mercy of God, may all who have suffered in the Diocese of Arlington as a result of clergy sexual abuse receive healing. May Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for us that we go forward under God’s guidance toward a future in which all of God’s children are safe and secure.