The Archdiocese of Seattle today published a list of clergy and religious accused of sexual abuse of a minor who have served or resided in Western Washington. The individuals named on the list posted to the archdiocesan website have allegations that are either admitted, established or determined to be credible.
In announcing publication of the list, Seattle Archbishop J. Peter Sartain apologized for the actions of those who abused minors. The archbishop said publishing the list builds on the Archdiocese of Seattle’s longstanding efforts at transparency, accountability and urging victims to come forward.
“I express my deepest apologies for the actions of those who were in positions of trust and who violated that sacred trust by abusing the vulnerable in their care,” Archbishop Sartain wrote in a letter posted with the list of names.
In development for nearly two years, the list was compiled with the assistance of independent consultants and the Archdiocesan Review Board, a group of professionals who advise the archbishop on sexual abuse of minors.
The list includes 77 names of clergy and religious who have served or lived in Western Washington between 1923 and 2008. Among those listed are 30 archdiocesan and 16 religious priests, 14 religious brothers, one religious sister, two deacons and 14 priests from other dioceses.
In his letter, Archbishop Sartain acknowledged “the devastating impact” of abuse by clergy and religious in the archdiocese and thanked victims for their courage in coming forward. The Archdiocese of Seattle began efforts to prevent sexual abuse and respond to victims beginning in the 1980s.
“This action is being taken in the interest of further transparency and accountability, and to continue to encourage victims of sexual abuse by clergy to come forward,” Archbishop Sartain said in his letter. “Our work in this area will not be complete until all those who have been harmed have received assistance in healing, and until the evil of child sexual abuse has been eradicated from society.”
Anyone who has knowledge of sexual abuse or misconduct by a member of the clergy, an employee or volunteer of the Archdiocese of Seattle is urged to call the archdiocesan hotline at 1-800-446-7762.
Please join us in praying for all who have been victims of sexual abuse as a minor, and in continuing our ongoing vigilance, training and prevention efforts.
If you have question, check the Frequently Asked Questions regarding the disclosure of name of Clergy and religious brothers and sisters for who allegations of sexual abuse of a minor have been admitted, established or determined to be credit for answers.
