Bishop Kevin Rhoades The Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese’s release of the names of priests and deacons credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor “is an appropriate step and part of a commitment to openness and transparency by the Church in this area” a member of the Indiana Diocesan Review Board has said.
“I am hopeful too that it will bring some solace and healing to the victims and their families,” said Donald Schmid in a statement, a day after the diocese released the list.
Since 2002, the diocese has had in place “robust procedures and processes to keep children and vulnerable adults safe”, he added.
“More than 17,000 people who work or volunteer with children in the Diocese or Diocesan schools have received safe environment training and criminal background checks.
“The Catholic Church and its schools are safe places for children today.”
In August, Bishop Kevin Rhoades announced he would release the names, saying that it was important for victims to see the names of their abusers made public “for all to see, for everyone to know the pain caused by these priests”.
“It is my hope that by releasing these names, the innocent victims of these horrific and heartbreaking crimes can finally begin the process of healing,” Bishop Rhoades said.