DE PERE, WI (WTAQ) – St. Norbert Abbey, which is an order of Roman Catholic priests and brothers, released the names of 19 priests under its jurisdiction with “credible” allegations of sexual abuse filed against them.
The abbey named three other priests, in addition to the 19 priests listed, belonging to other foundations who spent time in De Pere for a period of time.
Praesidium, Inc. was hired by the abbey to do a review of personnel files.
“As I stated before, I will never tolerate sex abuse by anyone. When the Abbey receives an allegation, it will immediately be reported to civil authorities and the Norbertine will be removed from ministry. The protection of children is of utmost importance and I do not take this responsibility lightly,” Rt. Rev. Dane Radecki, O.Praem, Abbot of St. Norbert Abbey says in a statement.
The statement continued:
“As we come to understand the impact of abuse on survivors, the Church needs to shift its focus from its own reputation and listen compassionately to those who have been harmed. This means that we need to respond in significantly different ways,” says Abbot Radecki. “My hope is that the ‘release of names’ by our community will assist in the healing process for victims and survivors. I profoundly apologize and ask forgiveness from those abused by the Norbertines of our Abbey.”
The list includes 15 priests who are dead, two others who left the abbey and ministry, and two who are restricted from ministry duties.
“Credible” allegations are defined by the Abbey as “allegations where there is certainty that the accusation is true and that an incident of sexual abuse of a minor has occurred.”
Abbey officials have declined a request for on-camera interviews.
Montie Chavez, communications manager for the abbey, says letters were sent to victims notifying them the list was going to be released.
While he could not say whether people who brought allegations against a priest were told one way or the other if their allegations were deemed credible.
The move by the Abbey comes after a similar disclosure in January by the Catholic Diocese of Green Bay.
Initially, the Diocese reported substantiated allegations against 47 priests, with additional names added in recent months.
