Releasing priests’ names is a matter of public safety

Daily World
August 23, 2014

http://www.dailyworld.com/story/opinion/2014/08/23/releasing-priests-names-matter-public-safety/14502717/

— Joelle Casteix is a member of Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests.

In early August, Lafayette Bishop Michael Jarrell — through his spokesman — said that there is “no purpose” in releasing the names of priests accused of sexual abuse.

The diocese and its insurers paid approximately $26 million to 123 child victims of these men — men accused of horrible sex crimes against children.

No purpose? Victims of sexual abuse and their supporters beg to differ. In fact, Jarrell must heed the highest purposes: public safety, victim healing and his moral duty as bishop.

Dioceses all over the nation have released the names of credibly accused clerics. Even the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, which has been blasted by survivors and the public for the cover-up of abuse, has released the names of men and women who sexually abused children.

Why is the public release of names so important?

1. Public safety. Eight of these men are still alive. We don’t know who they are or where they live. They could be volunteering with children, coaching sports, or leading Boy Scout troops.

In essence, Jarrell is creating a public nuisance. He knows who these men are. He knows that they could be molesting children right now. But he refuses to tell us who they are. That’s appalling.

2. Victims of all 15 men are still suffering in silence. When a perpetrator dies, the pain of his victims does not vanish.

Not all victims of these priests had settlements with the diocese. In fact, our experience tells us that only a small fraction of victims have come forward at all. Many others may still be suffering alone in shame and silence. By making the names public, Jarrell can open a bridge to healing for hundreds of survivors and their family members.

3. Catholics are confused. Victims and advocates continually hear outcry from Catholics who lament how the “good priests” have been sullied by the actions of “a few predators.” But since Jarrell won’t release the name of any of the credibly accused priests, Catholics must look at every priest with skepticism. Although Jarrell says that none of these men are in ministry, we cannot be sure unless the names are made public.

Our conclusion: Jarrell is trying to make us forget. He wants us to forget heinous sex crimes against children. He wants us to forget that these men should be in jail. He wants us to forget his responsibility to victims, families and Catholics. He wants us to forget that children are at risk and that nothing has changed in the way the diocese handles cases of sex abuse.

Jarrell must respond to the “highest purposes” and immediately release the names. Until then, his actions are an affront to the Christian principles he has vowed to uphold.