Gallup Diocese Gives ‘credibly Accused Clergy’ List

By Aaron Drawhorn
KRQE
December 16, 2014

http://krqe.com/2014/12/16/gallup-diocese-gives-credibly-accused-clergy-list/

[with video]

The Diocese of Gallup has taken a major step and released a new list of 30 Catholic priests who are linked to sex abuse cases in New Mexico and Arizona.

The diocese released the list of “credibly accused clergy.” Last year the Diocese of Gallup filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in large part due to lawsuits over pedophile priests.

The list released Monday includes 30 priests and one lay teacher assigned to parishes from the 1950s to last year.

“The list is rather large, and a lot of people think wow, 30 priests is quite a large number, and unfortunately, that’s the case,” said Suzanne Hammons, media coordinator for the diocese.

Hammons said the most recent priest to serve the diocese on the list was Timothy Conlon who was removed this year as sexual abuse accusations from decades ago recently surfaced.

Gallup Diocese Bishop James Wall says he was making the new list public to protect children and in the spirit of transparency.

In a statement, Wall apologized for the actions of those who committed “these terrible acts.”

Wall says that if victims recognize the names of the priests on the diocese’s website they should contact law enforcement.

“We don’t want people to keep this hidden or anything. We want to hear their side of the story to make sure they get the healing and the help that they need,” Hammons said.

Previously, the diocese released the name of 11 priests linked to such cases. The new list adds 20 new names.

“It’s definitely not the end. This is something that we’re going to continue to make updates as needed,” Hammons said.

A rosary led by Bishop Wall will take place Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Retreat Center Chapel, south of Gallup.

“We feel for those who were abused. We want them to know that they’re loved,” Hammons said.