The Diocese of Lafayette was among five in Louisiana to announce a commitment to release the names of clergy in its jurisdiction credibly accused of sexual abuse over the past 50 years, but added that the process will take time.
Louisiana’s Roman Catholic bishops had said in late September they were weighing whether to release the names and that they planned a “united response” to avoid putting too much pressure on one diocese.
New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond went first Tuesday, saying the names would be released “sooner rather than later.” Four other bishops followed suit, including Bishop of Lafayette Douglas Deshotel.
“Disclosure of that list is a good idea to foster healing and provide assurance that no one accused of abuse is currently serving in the ministry,” Deshotel said. “Because of the extent and complexity of the research, the process will take time and it’s impossible to predict precisely when that process will be completed.”
The dioceses of Baton Rouge, Houma-Thibodaux and Shreveport have similar plans. The dioceses of Alexandria and Lake Charles did not make an announcement.
Baton Rouge Bishop Michael Duca’s decision to release names is a significant decision amid his short time as bishop. He was installed in August after serving as bishop in Shreveport for a decade.
“The Diocese of Baton Rouge, which was formed in 1961, will release the names of priests who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of minors,” Duca said in a statement. “This of the highest priority to us.”
The Rev. Peter Mangum, administrator of the Shreveport Diocese following Duca’s departure, said his diocese “will follow the lead of New Orleans and release the names.” The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux also said it intends to release a list.
The Diocese of Lafayette previously disclosed in an insurance case that there were 15 accused Lafayette priests accused of abusing 123 people who received $24.4 million in settlement payments. It did not identify the priests on the list.
The announcements Tuesday follow reports in The Advocate over the last several months that revealed a number of unreported financial settlements over claims of sexual abuse in New Orleans.
The Advocate reported how the archdiocese settled several claims of abuse involving defrocked Metairie deacon George Brignac without following its own guidelines to disclose such a matter. At least 10 other people have since come forward with claims against Brignac.
Diocese of Lafayette endorses release of names of priests accused of abuse
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