The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis released a list of 34 priests accused of sexually abusing children Thursday, according to the Associated Press. The list was published as the result of a court order as well as mounting public pressure.
Thirty of the priests on the list are believed to have molested children while the remaining four are connected to currently unsubstantiated claims. The list was released by Archbishop John Nienstedt, who has come under criticism for his handling of the abuse scandal.
The Associated Press noted that of the 34 names released Thursday, 33 were included in a list compiled in 2004 as part of a nationwide study on clergy sex abuse. The priests named were accused of offenses occurring from the 1950s to the mid-1980s. Sixteen of the men have been removed from ministry, one left voluntarily, eleven are dead and two have been defrocked. The list did not include the nature of allegations, when the allegations were reported, what the allegations were or how long the accused priests remained in service after the allegations were made known.
Attorneys for the victims pushed for the release of the list because they believe it will bring new accusations and victims to light. Several new victims came forward the day the list was published, said attorney Mike Finnegan.
If you or a loved one was sexually abused by a clergy member, please do not hesitate to contact Leto Copeley. All calls and emails are strictly confidential.