BALTIMORE (MD)
The Greyhound News
December 19, 2018
Posted by Rodlyn-Mae Banting
Seven former Loyola-affiliated Jesuits named with credible allegations of child sexual abuse
On Dec. 17, the Maryland Province of the Society of Jesus released a complete list of Jesuits with credible allegations of child sexual abuse since 1950. Seven of the Jesuits included on the list were previously affiliated with the university or Loyola’s Jesuit Community. This list includes John F. X. Bellwoar, Louis A. Bonacci, Francis C. Bourbon, H. Cornell Bradley, Arthur J. Long, Garrett D. Orr, and Claude L. Ory.
According to a letter that prefaced the list, the Maryland Province asserts a “strict zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual abuse and reports to civil authorities accusations of sexual abuse involving a minor” and views this disclosure of their “shameful history as part of [their] commitment now to preventing abuse.” This policy has only been enforced by the Province since 2002.
As a Jesuit institution, the resurgence of the Catholic Church in the child sexual abuse limelight has caused much pain and change-oriented action within the Loyola community. In mid-October, Campus Ministry, the Center for Community Service and Justice (CCSJ), and the Women’s Center hosted a day of prayer for survivors of sexual abuse. The day culminated in a vigil that allowed for the community to gather and confront their feelings of anger, sadness, and frustration towards the issue.
“Not only was the vigil an important part of the healing process for those directly involved in the sexual assault crisis in the Catholic church, but it was also insightful for those who may not know about the recent allegations,” Kaitlyn Quigley ‘22 said. Quigley attended the vigil and also serves as a writer for The Greyhound. “Holding the vigil was an important step for Loyola to take and I’m glad they did.”
Additionally, earlier this month, professors Dr. Frederick Bauerschmidt and Dr. Angela Russell Christman of the theology department hosted a panel discussion in the Alumni Chapel entitled “The Sex Abuse Catastrophe in the Catholic Church: Seeking a Way Forward.”
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