The Catholic Diocese of Youngstown on Tuesday released the names of clergy members accused of sexual abuse.
In September, the Diocese said they would release the names of clergy members who have been credibly accused of sex abuse of a minor. The list, posted online, includes the names of 31 clergy members, living or deceased, who were accused in Youngstown.
“I am very sorry that the Church has failed to act aggressively to eliminate this evil," said Bishop George V. Murray in a statement. "I humbly ask forgiveness from the victims and their families for the grave mistakes the Church has made.”
Youngstown's disclosure follows a Pennsylvania grand jury report on 300 priests, who are accused of molesting more than 1,000 children. Bishops in Ohio called for a similar investigation.
Murray says the Youngstown accusations were investigated and accepted as credible.
Diocese in Columbus, Cleveland, and Steubenville all vowed to release similar information by the end of the year.
The Cleveland diocese is the largest in the state, and has published the names of priests placed on leave or removed due to misconduct allegations since 2002. The diocese lists 29 names so far, but says it will release names of all accused priests living or dead.
A similar list is maintained by the Toledo diocese, which reports 46 accusations dating back to the 1950s. And the archdiocese of Cincinnati has named 14 priests removed due to abuse allegations.
