WASHINGTON (DC)
Catholic News Service
February 16, 2019
Virginia’s two Catholic bishops, Arlington Bishop Michael F. Burbidge and Richmond Bishop Barry C. Knestout, released lists Feb. 13 of the clergy credibly accused of child sex abuse in their respective dioceses.
In Arlington, Burbidge said releasing the list fulfills a commitment he made to publish these names “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,” he said in a letter to Catholics of the diocese that accompanied the list. “Embarrassment, frustration, anger and hurt are all natural emotions to experience in a time such as this. I share those emotions.”
The complete list of 16 names can be found on the diocesan website, www.arlingtondiocese.org. The list of priests credibly accused dates back to when the diocese was established in 1974.
In an open letter published with the Richmond diocesan list, Knestout said: “To the victims and to all affected by the pain of sexual abuse, our response will always be about what we are doing, not simply what we have done. We will seek not just to be healed but will always be seeking healing. We will seek not just to be reconciled but will always be seeking reconciliation.”
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