WATERROWN (NY)
Watertown Daily Times
November 19, 2018
Many parishioners objected to a previous decision by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Ogdensburg to not release the names of priests accused of sexual abuse, and officials have received their message.
On its website last week, the diocese listed the names of 28 priests removed from the ministry. This followed an announcement the previous weekend by Bishop Terry R. LaValley pledging to do so.
“I am writing to address an important matter: the release of the names of priests removed from ministry according to the provisions of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People,” Bishop LaValley wrote in a letter read Nov. 11 during Masses throughout parishes in the diocese. “In the past, we have declined to publicize the names of these individuals for many reasons, including due process questions. While there are strong arguments for releasing the names and strong arguments for not releasing the names, recent controversies in the church make it necessary for us to now release the names.
“The recent controversies and scandals have produced righteous anger, discouragement and frustration among the people of God. Increasingly, the faithful have called for the release of the names of those removed from ministry under the charter. I know the release of names will cause pain for those on the list, their families, former parishioners and friends. There will be a need for compassion and understanding among all of us. While our main concern is the safety of our young people and helping victims find healing and peace, we must also strive to uphold the dignity of those removed from ministry. Mercy and reconciliation are central to our mission as the church of Jesus Christ.”
Releasing these names was a good step on the part of the diocese. It shows that officials are beginning to recognize the anger and frustration felt by many members of the church.
People around the world have demanded answers over how authorities could permit incidents of sexual abuse to go on for so long. They want to know what is being done about all those who moved predator priests from parish to parish.
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