Catholic Church names nearly 200 New Jersey clergy accused of sexual abuse

Catholic Church officials in New Jersey have named nearly 200 priests credibly accused of sexual abuse.

News 12 Staff

Feb 13, 2019, 5:52 PM

Updated 2,069 days ago

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Catholic Church officials in New Jersey have named nearly 200 priests credibly accused of sexual abuse.
Each of the five Catholic dioceses in the state released their own lists of names, totaling 189 in all. The lists include parishes where each priest worked, if they had more than one accuser and if the priest has either been removed from their ministry or is now deceased.
Cardinal Joseph Tobin released a video statement following the release of the names.
“Victims, their families and the faithful are rightfully outraged over the abuses perpetrated against minors,” Tobin said.
Tobin also said, “Anyone aware of suspected sexual misconduct by any cleric, employee, or volunteer of the Archdiocese [should] report it immediately to law enforcement and to the Archdiocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator: 201-407-3256.”
Some victims’ advocates say that they remain skeptical that things will change. Bob Hoatson says that he believes more victims may now come forward.
“Many victims will now say to themselves, 'My goodness there's Father So-and-so's name. He abused me too. I didn't realize he abused anybody else,'" Hoatson says.
The release of names comes after New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal started an investigation last year into how the Catholic Church handled sexual abuse claims in the state.
New Jersey legislators are also pushing a bill at the state level to eliminate the statute of limitations for victims of priest abuse to file claims. The limit is currently two years. The bill is going to committee for a vote in the Senate and Assembly next month