MAINE
Portland Press Herald
By JERRY HARKAVY, Associated Press
Maine's Roman Catholic diocese Sunday validated child sexual abuse allegations against nine of 21 dead priests, saying they likely would be removed from ministry under today's standards if they were still alive.
The announcement came more than a month after the state attorney general released the names of the 21 in compliance with an order from the Maine Supreme Judicial Court.
The Diocese of Portland, which had opposed the release of the names, said its reversal reflected the reality of the court decision and "the inevitable news stories" arising from the public release of more than 100 pages of documents related to abuse complaints.
Media in Maine have yet to publish the complete list of names. The Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram, whose parent company brought the lawsuit that led to the court order, has promised to investigate each case and report on those they believe are credible.
Bishop Richard Malone's decison to publicize the names of those on the list who would likely be removed from ministry if they were alive today was made in consultation with the Diocesan Review Board, the diocese said in a statement.