Baton Rouge archdiocese names 37 clergy members credibly accused of abuse

The Diocese of Baton Rouge on Thursday (Jan. 31) identified 37 Catholic clergymen who have been "credibly accused" of abusing minors over the past 55 years, becoming the latest American diocese to join a transparency movement designed to help the world’s largest Christian address an ongoing crisis of cataclysmic proportion.

The list is based on the review of all 1033 clergy personnel files of the diocese of Baton Rouge from its formation in 1961 to the present, Duca said.

NOLA

LINK ]Archdiocese List of Baton Rouge Clerks who have been "Credibly Accused"

"Clergy who served within the Diocese of Baton Rouge and have been the subject of credible allegations (individually, a “Credible Allegation” and collectively, “Credible Allegations”) of sexual abuse of a minor (i.e., a person under the age of 18 years) or a vulnerable adult as defined in the Sexual Abuse Policy of the Diocese of Baton Rouge (the “Sexual Abuse Policy”), and which allegedly occurred within the Diocese of Baton Rouge."

The List also includes the name of a seminarian against whom a Credible Allegation was reported to the Diocese of Baton Rouge and which was included among the records that were reviewed.

"Credible means “believable.”"

What happens when a report is received? What makes it a Credible Allegation?

A. When an allegation of abuse of a minor or vulnerable adult is made against any Clergy, the Diocese of Baton Rouge immediately reports it - verbally and in writing - to the appropriate law enforcement authorities, and the Diocese of Baton Rouge fully cooperates throughout all investigations.

In addition to investigations by civil authorities, an internal Church investigation will also take place, although if state or federal criminal charges are brought, the Church investigation likely will be suspended until after the one conducted by law enforcement concludes.

The Diocese of Baton Rouge will always offer pastoral and therapeutic services to all victims and affected family members. The results of the Diocese’s internal investigation are presented to the Independent Review Board, which by its discussions and recommendations helps the Bishop to make a decision regarding the credibility of an accusation if it is unclear from the outset, and regarding other steps which should be taken.