Canadian Jesuits name 27 priests accused of sexual abuse

By Barry Ellsworth

TRENTON, Canada (AA) – The Jesuits of Canada said Monday they feel “shame” over 27 priests who an investigation has revealed are “credibly accused” of sexual abuse of minors.

The list of names was published in a letter on the Jesuit order’s website. The abuse dates back more than 50 years.

"Over the past three or more decades, revelations of grievous abuse by clergy dating back many generations have come to light, and the (Catholic) Church has been slow to respond," Father Erik Oland, the head the Jesuits of Canada, which is a Catholic organization, said in the letter.

Three of the surviving priests have been removed from active ministry and are restricted to Toronto under the watchful eyes of the Jesuits, Oland said.

Oland admitted the church did not move fast enough to reveal the names, but after going through a period of “outright denial” and “moral incompetence” has finally admitted the guilt of the priests.

The names were uncovered though an investigation by the Jesuits of Canada and an independent investigator that began three years ago.

“This is the latest in a series of steps taken by the Jesuits of Canada since the 1990s to address the reality of sexual abuse and its aftermath,” Oland said in the letter addressed to “Dear Brothers and Sisters.”

“Additionally, we have established guidelines for reconciliation, healing, accountability, and prevention of future acts of abuse, as well as prevention of sexual harassment.”

Those guidelines include a psychological evaluation upon application to the organization, annual abuse prevention training once admitted and a “zero-tolerance policy with regards to abuse.”

Oland said the list must be considered a “living document” because the names of other priests charged with sexual abuse may surface at some point. He encouraged anyone who has suffered abuse to notify the police or a child-protection agency.

There are 208 priests in the Jesuits of Canada.