LA- Victims urge bishop to suspend predator priest

By David Clohessy
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests
July 21, 2014

http://www.snapnetwork.org/la_victims_urge_bishop_to_suspend_predator_priest

Recently uncovered files show that an accused predator priest is still on the job in Louisiana and former Lafayette Bishop Harry Flynn covered it up. We urge the current bishop to take immediate action and suspend this cleric immediately.  

When then-bishop Flynn was asked about Fr. Gilbert Dutel, Flynn said “he’s cured.” Despite multiple allegations of sexual abuse of young men and a child, Fr. Dutel was kept in ministry. Church records show no information was ever given to the police or made public regarding the allegations. 

Everyone knows that child molesters are rarely “cured.” They often continue abusing until they are publicly exposed and kept away from children.

Fr. Dutel is currently the pastor of St. Edmond church and has worked at elementary and high schools. http://www.st-

We are deeply concerned about this information. Recently released depositions and documents show a long history of cover-ups by Flynn, both in Lafayette and the Twin Cities. We are worried about how many other current or former priests have credible allegations of abuse, but were allowed to keep working near children.

We urge Bishop Michael Jarrell to immediately oust Fr. Dutel and use his vast resources to beg anyone who saw, suspects or suffered crimes by Dutel to come forward, call police and start healing.