NORWICH — Diocese of Norwich Bishop Michael Cote has released the names of 43 priests who have served in the Connecticut diocese and have had "allegations of substance" made against them about the sexual abuse of minors.

The list of priests accused of abuse since the diocese was established in 1953 was posted Sunday on its website www.norwichdiocese.org .

He said no priest or deacon currently in active ministry in the diocese is the subject of an allegation of substance regarding the sexual abuse of a minor. Thirty-three of the priests are dead.

Cote said in a letter in church bulletins Saturday that since 1977 the diocese has paid about $7.7 million in settlements to victims in nine cases. Twenty-three cases are pending.

"I am grieviously sorry for the horrific sins and crimes made against the most vulnerable among us who have suffered sexual abuse and misconduct," Cote said in the letter.