Bishop Reports Status of Long Island Clergy Sex Abuse Cases
17 priests disciplined

By Associated Press
January 25, 2005

The Roman Catholic Church has disciplined 17 priests of a New York diocese for sexual abuse allegations.

The Diocese of Rockville Centre on Long Island informed parishioners of the actions in a three-page letter listing the status of sex abuse cases against 23 priests.

Bishop William F. Murphy reported that eight priest were defrocked by the Vatican, nine were permanently suspended, three await canonical trials and two have been cleared. Proceedings against another have been deferred.

Several victims' rights groups criticized the bishop, saying the identities of the disciplined priests should be made public.

Diocese spokesman Sean Dolan said the names of those priests convicted on criminal charges have been disclosed. But releasing the names of the suspended priests could violate their privacy because they have not been proven guilty.