Archbishop Aymond says naming clergy accused of sexual abuse will renew the church: report

By Kim Chatelain
NOLA.com/Times-Picayune
October 25, 2018

https://www.nola.com/news/2018/10/archbishop-aymond-says-naming-clergy-accused-of-sexual-abuse-will-renew-the-church-report.html

New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond has announced that the the Archdiocese of New Orleans will release a list of priests credibly accused of abusing minors. Photo by G. Andrew Boyd

New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond believes the decision to release the names of clergy credibly accused of abusing minors will lead to a renewal of the Roman Catholic church, the Clarion Herald newspaper reported. Aymond’s statement was part of a question and answer feature published in the official newspaper of the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

The archbishop said that, ahead of his decision, he received calls and emails from both those who wanted the names released and those who felt the names should not be made public.

“After much prayer, I believe the just thing is to release the names,” Aymond said in the newspaper’s Q&A. “I was very much concerned that we would be able to do this accurately and completely. In prayer, it became very clear to me that this is the right thing to do in a spirit of justice and transparency.”

Aymond did not say when the names will be released, but noted it will be “sooner rather than later," the Clarion Herald reported. He said a team of staff and outside legal professionals is currently reviewing files to compile the information that will be released.

“I truly believe that as this sin and evil are exposed, God is calling us and in particular church leaders, to purification and repentance, which will lead us toward renewal of his church,” Aymond said. “This is a difficult time but it is good that the sin has come to light so that true healing and renewal can take place. The church will continue. It has for 2,000 years.”