Diocese names 45 accused priests

OAKLAND, Calif. — In a move aimed at reassuring parishioners amid renewed scrutiny of the Roman Catholic Church, the Diocese of Oakland named 45 priests Monday who had been credibly accused over the years of sexually abusing children within its bounds.

The Oakland diocese, which spans Alameda and Contra Costa counties, is the second in the Bay Area to take the extraordinary step, following a similar move by the Diocese of San Jose in October. Dioceses in Stockton and San Diego also have publicly named accused priests, and the Archdiocese of San Francisco, which once encompassed Oakland and San Jose, is considering doing so as well.

Bishop Michael Barber called the release an “Act of Contrition” in a Monday letter to parishioners.

“These are monstrous crimes, committed by priests who are supposed to model virtue and grace, not sin and harm,” Barber wrote. “My first reaction in seeing the list of names of priests who have abused, is one of deep shame. … I hope this will help bring healing to those who have suffered.”

The list includes 20 diocesan priests accused of abusing 174 children. It also includes three priests from other dioceses and 22 priests, deacons or brothers affiliated with religious orders like the Salesians and Franciscans who had worked within the Oakland diocese.

The list did not describe allegations against the named clergy.