200 NJ ‘perv’ priests ID’d
New Jersey’s five Roman Catholic dioceses on Wednesday released the names of nearly 200 priests and deacons “credibly accused” of sexually abusing children over a span of several decades — including the former archbishop of Newark.
“In an effort to do what is right and just, we are publishing the names of diocesan clergy credibly accused of sexual abuse of minors in the Archdiocese of Newark,” said Newark Archbishop Joseph Cardinal Tobin in a letter, accompanying his list of 63 former priests.
“It is our sincerest hope that this disclosure will help bring healing to those whose lives have been so deeply violated. We also pray that this can serve as an initial step in our efforts to help restore your trust in the leadership of the Catholic Church.”
The allegations date back to 1940 and all the names were previously reported to law enforcement, Tobin said.
In Camden, the diocese listed 56 priests and one deacon; Trenton named 30 priests; Paterson listed 28 and Metuchen named nine and two others under civil investigation who have been removed from the ministry.
Many of the identified Garden State priests or deacons are dead and the abuse they are accused of allegedly occurred decades ago.
Of the 188 names released, more than 100 are dead.
None of the lists include any details about the crimes the named priests are accused of — just when they were born and ordained, their assignments and whether they are dead or removed from the ministry.
Among the named is Theodore McCarrick, the former Newark archbishop who stepped down from ministry and gave up his title of cardinal last year when he was accused of sexual misconduct with priests and seminary students and of abuse of minors. He’s awaiting a church trial.
The five New Jersey dioceses have collaborated on a fund to compensate victims of clergy abuse in New Jersey, including cases where the statute of limitations has expired.
The release of the names follows many similar lists published by dioceses across the country recently.
An Associated Press review found nearly 2,000 clergy members and others have been identified nationwide since a Pennsylvania grand-jury report named 300 predator priests in August.