ST. LOUIS (MO)
Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests
January 22, 2019
Today the Archdiocese of Hartford has released a list of 48 clerics that have been accused of abuse.
It is always helpful for survivors when these lists are posted, especially for those who may be suffering in silence. Seeing that they are not alone helps victims heal and could also compel others who were abused – whether by the same person or in the same place – to come forward.
However, we believe that Archbishop Leonard Blair could have included more information that would be helpful to survivors. In the list released today, the Archbishop omits photos and the current whereabouts of those accused who are still alive. While he does provide a list of assignments in the Archdiocese, he does not include the dates of those assignments. He also neglects to provide information about when the allegations were received, except in those cases where the priest died prior to the victim coming forward.
Where these priests are now is important, as it provides a warning to those nearby about a potential threat to young people. That is the best step the bishop could take to prevent more horrific crimes against more innocent children.
How these clerics looked in the past, and when they worked in a particular parish, is important because that information helps victims identify those who hurt them. It usually takes decades for survivors to come forward. The victim might only recall the priest’s name, what parish he/she attended when the abuse occurred, and a face. Even parents who were long-time parishioners may have trouble remembering a clergyman who only worked in their parish for a short time.
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