Bishop George V. Murry, S.J., of the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown has announced the list of names of those who have served in the Diocese of Youngstown since its establishment in 1943 who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor and who have been reported to civil authorities.

Bishop Murry states, “I am very sorry that the Church has failed to act aggressively to eliminate this evil. I humbly ask forgiveness from the victims and their families for the grave mistakes the Church has made.”

For the purpose of this list a “credible accusation” against a priest or deacon who has served in the Diocese of Youngstown is an accusation that, after a thorough investigation and review of available information, appears more likely true than not in the judgment of the Diocesan Review Board, and is accepted as credible by the bishop.

The Diocese of Youngstown is committed to comply with local law enforcement and with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People established by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2002. The Charter contains a comprehensive set of procedures for addressing allegations of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy, along with areas that assist the diocese in efforts to provide preventive measures designed to keep minors safe from harm now and in the future. Also included are guidelines for reconciliation, healing and accountability.

Through ongoing education, the Diocese of Youngstown strives to empower people to create and maintain safe environments for our children and youth. Bishop Murry explained, “that as painful as the process of voluntary disclosure of names is for parishioners where these men served, this is one way that we can offer support and dignity to the survivors of clergy sexual abuse and their families.”

This list will be supplemented based upon any future determinations of credible allegations.