BILLINGS (MT)
Billings Gazette
December 8, 2018
By Matt Hoffman
A new report outlining abuse accusations against Jesuit priests includes dozens of priests who worked in Montana churches, missions and schools — and shows that at least 11 priests were accused while working in the state.
Many of the accusations are against priests already identified in bankruptcy reports for the Great Falls/Billings and Helena dioceses. But the Jesuit Order report includes dates of alleged abuse and new “credible claims” against priests. It also includes work history information that confirms priests were frequently shuffled between postings, including after alleged abuse.
“The People of God demand and deserve transparency,” Scott Santarosa, the leader of a Jesuit Order province covering 10 western states including Montana, wrote in an online open letter. “We hope that this act of accountability will help victims and their families in the healing process.”
Friday’s report shows the results of an internal investigation. Santarosa’s letter said the province will have a consultant and former FBI executive review files in 2019, and any priests with new credible allegations will be identified. The Jesuit Order is a branch of the Roman Catholic Church with about 17,000 priests and brothers.
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