Oakland Diocese Releases List of 45 Clergymen ‘Credibly Accused’ of Child Sexual Abuse

The Catholic Diocese of Oakland released 45 names of “clergymen and religious brothers” who have been “credibly accused” of child sexual abuse, The San Francisco Chronicle reports. The list includes allegations against priests, deacons and religious brothers from the 60s, 70s, and 80s—with the latest reported incident occurring in 1988. Fourteen of the names listed are deceased, and five of the names were made public for the first time. “I pray the public acknowledgment of the sinful actions on the part of some priests will help many of us to find healing and hope, to restore our trust in the Church, and to repair the damage caused to the reputation of so many good priests,” Oakland Bishop Michael Barber reportedly wrote in a letter to Oakland Diocese parishioners. The newspaper reports that a second independent investigation into the diocese will be completed in the spring, and the diocese has recognized that the list may grow in coming months. “This is now part of our process. And we know we have more work to do,” Diocese of Oakland Chancellor Stephen Wilcox told the Chronicle.