(Montreal) The Jesuits of Canada have released a list of priests and brothers they say have been “credibly accused” of sexually abusing minors in the past 70 years.
The religious order of the Catholic Church released a list of 27 names on Monday, following an audit that began in 2020. The audit looked at documents dating back to the 1950s on “all cases of abuse and disregard of boundaries,” reads a statement from the Jesuits of Canada.
All but three of the men named in this list died today.
The religious order explains that this release of names is part of the Jesuits’ efforts to promote transparency, accountability, justice, but also to contribute to the healing of survivors of sexual assault.
In most cases, the assaults were revealed after the death of the alleged assailant, and some cases never resulted in criminal or civil prosecution.
In the statement, the provincial superior of the Jesuits in Canada, Erik Oland, indicates that “although as exhaustive a review as possible of the files has been carried out, it is always possible that other names will appear”.
“Not everyone will see the publication of the list as a positive step,” admits Father Oland. We realize that seeing an abuser’s name printed on it can reopen old wounds.
“Nevertheless, we are publishing this list in part at the request of victims and victim advocacy groups to promote healing, acknowledge the severity of their trauma and suffering, validate their experience, and promote justice and justice. transparency. »
The list can be viewed online.
