HARRISBURG – The Diocese of Harrisburg has released a great amount of information in regards to sexual abuse of children by clergy. According to various media reports, Bishop Ronald Gainer announced the release of the information at a press conference Wednesday in Harrisburg. You can find the full list of names by clicking on the link at the bottom of the story.
Reports say the biggest piece of information released is a list of 71 priests, deacons and others within the church who are accused of abuse. That includes 37 priests, three deacons, six seminarians, nine clergy of other dioceses, and 16 from religious communities.
The list includes at least three former Valley priests – Fr. John Allen of St. Pius X, Fr. William Haviland, St. Michael/St. Monica and Fr. Donald Cramer II, St. Monica. Fr. Haviland has since died.
The diocese says the list will also be posted on a new website launched today. The website also instructs how someone can report child sex abuse in the Diocese, should it happen in the future, and what steps will be taken by the Diocese. The website also has survivor assistance.
Gainer also says names of anyone on the list, including former bishops, will be removed from certain buildings, rooms, and halls within the Diocese. The Bishop also directed the names of every bishop since 1947 be removed from those areas within the Diocese as well, “effective immediately.”
Gainer says the diocese will waive any confidentiality rights reached as part of civil settlements.
The Bishop concluded expressing “profound sorrow,” apologizing to the survivors, members of the Catholic Church, and the public.
Diocese of Harrisburg List of Clergy & Seminarians Accused of Sexual Abuse of a Child
