Oakland will reveal accused clergy’s names

The Diocese of Oakland will release the names of all clergy “credibly accused” of sexual abuse, in a move that echoes an announcement made last month by the Catholic Diocese of San Jose.

In an editorial published Monday in Oakland’s Catholic Diocese newpaper, the Catholic Voice, Bishop Michael C. Barber said the decision is intended to “stop the scourge of sexual abuse of minors and vulnerable adults.”

“This public accountability will allow you and others in our community to see we are keeping our promises,” Barber wrote. “We have nothing to hide. It is the right thing to do.”

The announcement comes on the heels of August’s bombshell Pennsylvania grand jury report that found the state’s Catholic Church had covered up abuse by more than 300 priests over seven decades. The report prompted government officials around the country to launch probes into their own clergy, in states including Missouri, Illinois, Nebraska and New Mexico.

San Jose and Oakland’s decision to publish the names of priests and clergy members credibly accused of sexual abuse coincides with internal investigations. Both dioceses said they’ve enlisted the assistance of a consulting firm led by former FBI Assistant Director Kathleen McChesney.

Oakland’s process will come in two parts. After the diocese’s investigation and publication of the first list, McChesney’s team will review the church’s files to “ensure our list is as accurate as possible,” Barber said.

The first list is expected to be released in 45 days, and the second review will be completed in early 2019.

A similar move is under “serious consideration” at the Archdiocese of San Francisco, spokesman Mike Brown said.

He added that Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone has been conducting town hall meetings on the issue that are expected to wrap up later this month.

Barber urged anyone wishing to report an allegation of sexual misconduct by any clergy or diocesan employee to contact local police or sheriff ’s deputies.

Chancellor Stephen A. Wilcox, who serves as the victims assistance coordinator in the Oakland diocese, is required to report allegations of child abuse to authorities and can also assist in processing the allegations, Barber said. Wilcox can be reached at swilcox@oakdiocese.org or 510-267-8334.

Additionally, the Survivor Advocacy Network can be reached at 510-267-8373 or survivors@oakdiocese.org.