JACKSON (MI)
WAPT TV
March 19, 2019
The Catholic Diocese of Jackson is releasing names of Mississippi clergy members it said have been credibly accused of sexual abuse.
Bishop Joseph Kopacz said the list will be published Tuesday on the Diocese website.
“We know that this list will cause pain to many individuals and communities and I am truly, deeply sorry for that pain,” Kopacz said in a letter released Monday. “The crime of abuse of any kind is a sin, but the abuse of children and vulnerable adults is especially egregious. First and foremost, it is a sin against the innocent victims, but also a sin against the Church and our communities. It is a sin that cries out for justice.”
The bishop said he encourages anyone who has been sexually abused by a clergy member or church employee to come forward.
“We know it can take years for a victim to come forward,” Kopacz said. “We want to hear from those who have been abused by a member of the clergy or an employee of the church. Not only is it our legal duty to report these cases, helping victims find healing and wholeness is our moral imperative.”
Kopacz also said the church is taking steps to prevent abuse, including screening and educating employees and volunteers.
“I apologize from the depths of my heart to those who have been sexually abused by clergy and church personnel, to the families damaged by these crimes and to the Catholic community for the scandal this scourge has brought upon our Church,” Kopacz said. “There is no room for this evil in our society or our churches.”
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