LOUISIANA
Daily World
— 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.
Note: This is an Abuse Tracker excerpt. Click the title to view the full text of the original article. If the original article is no longer available, see our News Archive.