NJ’s Roman Catholic dioceses to provide names of accused priests

Victims of sexual abuse by Roman Catholic clergy in New Jersey will soon be able to apply for compensation from a fund representing all five of the state's dioceses.

News 12 Staff

Feb 12, 2019, 2:46 AM

Updated 2,112 days ago

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Victims of sexual abuse by Roman Catholic clergy in New Jersey will soon be able to apply for compensation from a fund representing all five of the state's dioceses.
Details about the victims’ fund were announced Monday. The administrators of the fund say guidelines will be posted by next week followed by a 30-day public comment period. All the dioceses will be asked to turn over lists of known or alleged victims.
Those compensated will give up their right to sue.
Administrators said Monday a similar program in New York has paid out more than $210 million to more than 1,100 victims.
But some victims’ rights advocates are calling for the Catholic Church to release the names of priests who were credibly accused of sexual abuse.
“It’s a good thing, but it’s not good enough. Cardinal [Joseph] Tobin needs to produce the files,” says advocate Bob Hoatson. “We need to know everything about these people.”
Hoatson protested outside the Newark Archdioceses Monday demanding that the release of any priest names also include work histories and other information about them.
“Where they were, why they were transferred,” Hoatson says.
The Archdioceses would not confirm or deny that it will release the names to the public. But a spokesperson said in a statement, “The Archdiocese of Newark is in the process of releasing to the New Jersey Attorney General Clergy Abuse Task Force the files of all diocesan clergy who have been credibly accused of abusing a minor."
Five months ago, New Jersey's attorney general announced a criminal investigation into clergy sexual abuse.
Most Roman Catholic dioceses in Pennsylvania are also setting up victim compensation funds.
The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.