WASHINGTON
National Catholic Reporter
Dan Morris-Young | Jan. 27, 2016
The Seattle archdiocese published Jan. 15 a list of clergy and religious “accused of sexual abuse of a minor who have served or resided in Western Washington,” according to an archdiocesan press release.
“The individuals named on the list posted to the archdiocesan website have allegations that are either admitted, established or determined to be credible,” the release said.
According to the release, “Seattle Archbishop J. Peter Sartain apologized for the actions of those who abused minors” and said publishing the list builds on the archdiocese’s efforts at transparency, accountability and urging victims to come forward.
The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP), however, issued a press release the same day, saying “every time a predator’s name is publicized, kids are safer,” but also charging it “suspects this is an incomplete list that was prompted by external pressure.”
“Seattle Catholic officials should have disclosed and posted these clerics’ names long ago. Now, they should put it in each parish bulletin, several times a year, and permanently on each parish website,” Seattle SNAP officials said, adding, “About 30 U.S. bishops have taken this step, almost always belatedly, grudgingly, incompletely and only because parishioners, prosecutors or lawmakers prod them to do so.”
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