Catholic Priest Sex Abuse Database Launched

QUEZON CITY (PHILIPPINES)
Newsweek [New York NY]

January 29, 2025

By Amir Daftari

A United States-based watchdog, BishopAccountability.org, launched an online database on Wednesday detailing more than 80 Roman Catholic priests accused of sexually abusing minors in the Philippines.

The nonprofit organization accused Filipino bishops of covering up the crimes by remaining silent on the issue, which has been largely suppressed in the country, where Catholicism is deeply ingrained. The new database includes the names, faces, and details of the alleged assaults, some dating back over two decades.

Newsweek has reached out to the Vatican for comment via email.

Why It Matters

The creation of the database marks a significant step in confronting clergy sexual abuse in the Philippines, a country where Catholicism remains a dominant force. As the third-largest Catholic nation in the world, the Philippines has long struggled with public discussions surrounding sexual abuse within the clergy. The launch of the database shines a light on the issue, calling attention to the silence of the Church and the lack of accountability among church leaders.

What To Know

BishopAccountability.org, which has previously launched similar databases in the U.S., Argentina, Chile, and Ireland, claims that the silence of Philippine bishops has enabled the sexual assaults to continue unchecked. The nonprofit’s director, Anne Barrett Doyle, called for an investigation into Church officials who have failed to report or address the abuse. She said that bishops in the Philippines “feel entitled to their silence.”

The Database

The database contains detailed information on the 82 clergy members, including seven bishops, who have been accused of sexually abusing minors. None of the accused priests or bishops have been convicted in Philippine courts. The nonprofit says the database may only represent “the tip of the iceberg,” as more cases may exist but remain hidden.

Church’s Response

In response to the database’s launch, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, a leader in the Philippine Church, noted that the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines has set up an office to safeguard minors and vulnerable adults, as well as report complaints to the Vatican. However, the database highlights a significant gap in accountability mechanisms in the Philippines compared to other countries, where victims and prosecutors have pressured the Church into action.

What People Are Saying

Anne Barrett Doyle, Director of BishopAccountability.org: “Philippine bishops feel entitled to their silence. They feel entitled to withhold information about sexual violence toward minors. They feel entitled to defend accused priests.”

Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, Philippine Church Leader: “Our mandate from Rome is to take the issue of accountability very seriously, especially those related to alleged abuse cases involving priests.”

Gemma Hickey, Survivor of Clergy Sexual Abuse: “It’s survivors that serve a life sentence … But survivors are trapped in a prison of memory.”

What Happens Next

The database’s release has sparked renewed calls for accountability within the Philippine Church. It remains to be seen whether the Philippine government or the Church will take further steps to address the crisis and ensure justice for victims.

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press

https://www.newsweek.com/catholic-priest-sex-abuse-database-launched-philippines-2022696