Bishop Talley says he's 'committed' to releasing list of clergy accused of sex abuse

By Katherine Burgess
Commercial Appeal
June 11, 2019

https://amp.commercialappeal.com/story/news/2019/06/11/catholic-diocese-memphis-clergy-accused-sex-abuse/1418715001/

Bishop David Talley of the Catholic Diocese of Memphis. Photo by Mark Weber

Bishop David Talley of the Catholic Diocese of Memphis is “committed to publishing a list” of clergy who are credibly accused of sexual abuse of minors, according to a news release from the diocese.

The news comes a day after SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, called on the diocese to publish the names, photos and work histories of credibly accused clergy on its website.

According to the release, Talley has met twice with the review board of the diocese, which is tasked with examining and advising the bishop on matters of clergy sexual abuse of minors.

“In each of those meetings, Bishop Talley emphasized how much he values the work of the Review Board, the seriousness with which they take each allegation, and their dedication to ensuring the safety of children,” the release stated.

Two comprehensive reviews of the diocesan files on priests have already taken place, one by the former district attorney general of Shelby County, according to the release.

Talley has directed the lay members of the review board to do an independent review of the files “out of an abundance of caution and because he has arrived in Memphis so recently,” according to the release. Then, they will give Talley a list of names of credibly accused clergy.