GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – The Catholic Diocese of Green Bay has revealed the results of an investigation into its files of incidents of sexual abuse against minors by priests and deacons.
The review found that 47 priests had substantiated allegations of abuse since the first one was ordained in 1906.
No current priests serving in the diocese had known substantiated allegations against them.
The complete list can be found here.
Based upon the recommendation of the Independent Review Board and following an extensive review of priest and deacon files by Defenbaugh & Associates, Inc., Bishop David L. Ricken today released the list of diocesan clergy with substantiated allegations of sexual abuse of a minor.
A total of 630 ordained priests have served within the Diocese of Green Bay. Of that number, 47 priests have had a substantiated allegation of the sexual abuse of a minor made against them.
Additionally, there are 16 priests and 2 deacons accused of the sexual abuse of a minor who, after investigation, were either exonerated or the allegation against them deemed unsubstantiated and as a result are not included in the list.
“My top priorities, as outlined in of my Seven Action Steps to Accountability remain,” said Bishop Ricken. “To improve our pastoral care, concern and efforts to accompany victims of abuse in their journey of healing; and, to provide as many ways as possible for those who have been victimized to come forward without fear and to share their story of sexual abuse. We need to know as fully as possible the harm that was done, so we can offer care to victims and ensure no perpetrators remain in ministry.”
“The Diocese remains committed to the protection of children and vulnerable adults. Its policies include permanently removing from ministry any clergy who have a substantiated allegation of abuse of a minor against them. In addition, the Diocese requires all clergy, employees, and volunteers in all parishes, schools and diocesan offices to complete mandatory background checks and training on keeping children safe,” says the Catholic Diocese of Green Bay in a release.
At a news conference on Thursday, Bishop Ricken spoke towards the fact that words and sympathies aren’t enough moving forward.
“I can apologize, but more importantly, I need to show them [the victims] through action that we are being open and addressing this issue head-on,” he says.
For him, an implementation of seven Action Steps to Accountability will helpfully usher in positive changes to the diocese.
“With the disclosure of this list of clergy a new chapter begins,” he explains. “A chapter that is about openness and a chapter that can set a course toward healing for all those who have been hurt by the church.”
Father John Girotti echoed the gravity of the situation.
“Children were harmed,” he says. “And this must never happen again.”
