This week
the dioceses of New Jersey released the lists of credibly accused clergy. A copy of the list for the Diocese of Trenton can be found at https://dioceseoftrenton.org/documents/2019/2/List%20of%20Credibly%20Accused%202.13.19.pdf.In addition, a series of Questions and Answers regarding the list is at https://trentonmonitor.com/main.asp?SectionID=4&SubSectionID=36&ArticleID=20109&TM=47236.89
There really are no words to say, except that it is the sincere hope that this painful process can lead to a genuine repentance and healing. Please consider this statement from Bishop David O'Connell:
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As Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton, I write to share with you a preliminary list that the Diocese has compiled of clergy ordained for/incardinated in the Diocese of Trenton who have been credibly accused of the sexual abuse of a minor. This preliminary list will be updated as more information becomes available. I do this with the greatest sadness and with a heavy heart.
Our first responsibility must always be to those who have endured sexual abuse as minors and the release of these names is our effort to express acceptance of their allegations as credible and to indicate the status of their alleged abusers. I greatly admire and respect the courage of those victims who have come forward. It is our hope that the public presentation of these names will contribute to healing the awful wounds that victims have endured at the hands of some clergy.
Please join me in prayer for all victims of sexual abuse in society, for their families and for all who have been affected and harmed by the sexual abuse of the young and vulnerable. We also pray that the release of these names will encourage anyone who was abused as a child but has not reported that abuse to come forward now.
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We call upon Jesus, the Good Shepherd to awaken our conscience and arouse our solidarity and commitment to say "never again" to every form of abuse. May there be healing in the Church, healing for victims and unity among our leaders as they substantially reform the culture that allowed the abuse to happen so that it may never happen again.
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As Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton, I write to share with you a preliminary list that the Diocese has compiled of clergy ordained for/incardinated in the Diocese of Trenton who have been credibly accused of the sexual abuse of a minor. This preliminary list will be updated as more information becomes available. I do this with the greatest sadness and with a heavy heart.
Our first responsibility must always be to those who have endured sexual abuse as minors and the release of these names is our effort to express acceptance of their allegations as credible and to indicate the status of their alleged abusers. I greatly admire and respect the courage of those victims who have come forward. It is our hope that the public presentation of these names will contribute to healing the awful wounds that victims have endured at the hands of some clergy.
Please join me in prayer for all victims of sexual abuse in society, for their families and for all who have been affected and harmed by the sexual abuse of the young and vulnerable. We also pray that the release of these names will encourage anyone who was abused as a child but has not reported that abuse to come forward now.
--------------------
We call upon Jesus, the Good Shepherd to awaken our conscience and arouse our solidarity and commitment to say "never again" to every form of abuse. May there be healing in the Church, healing for victims and unity among our leaders as they substantially reform the culture that allowed the abuse to happen so that it may never happen again.