BALTIMORE (MD)
Baltimore Sun
April 24, 2019
By Jonathan M. Pitts
The Archdiocese of Baltimore has added the names of 23 deceased priests and religious brothers to its online database of clergy members accused of child sexual abuse, signaling a revision in policy on dealing with cases that come to the diocese’s attention only after an accused individual has died.
The change is part of an ongoing effort by the diocese to enhance openness when it comes to the issue of child sexual abuse in the church, said Archbishop William E. Lori, leader of the area’s half-million Catholics.
“It’s part of an overall effort to be more transparent,” Lori said. “In doing this, we hope we’re giving more people who have in fact been abused the courage to come forward.”
The additions bring to 126 the number of clergy considered credibly accused of sexual abuse, with incidents dating as far as 80 years.
The move is “a great step,” said David Lorenz, state director of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests.
“Even if the allegations date back to the 1950s, I guarantee there are victims of these predators who have never told anyone and who will get some sense of relief and justice,” Lorenz said. “I truly appreciate that.”
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