Archdiocese Prepares to Release Sex Abuse Reports

By Yona Gavino and Nick Montes
The Wtmj
July 1, 2013

http://www.620wtmj.com/news/local/213777891.html

MILWAUKEE -- On Monday, the Milwaukee Archdiocese will be releasing documents that describe sexual abuse by priests. It'll include what church leaders did in response. Archbishop Jerome Listecki states: if you decide to go and review this material, prepare to be shocked. It can shake ones' faith.

The documents will detail how abusive priests were moved from a parish or school without their histories being revealed.

"Anytime the truth comes forward, it's always a huge opportunity for healing,” explains Peter Isely, Midwest Director for Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests.

The Archbishop wrote on his blog that the abuse stems back 25, 50, and even 80 years.

“These crimes live in secrecy. And so the anecdote for the healing of these crimes is to take them out of the dark shadows of secrecy and bring them into the light," adds Isely.

The documents will show that "22 priests were reassigned to parish work after their behavior was discovered,” and "eight of those 22 priests reoffended after being reassigned." One lingering concern for Isley is why the documents will only show 42 of the 45 priests who were dismissed for claims of sexual abuse.

“This is not the complete list of files of everyone who has harmed children. That's really our principal concern about tomorrow,” expresses Isely.

The Archbishop states the documents are being released as a way to close this chapter of history, and to faciliatate education and prevention.