As Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton, I write to share with you a preliminary list that the Diocese has compiled of clergy ordained for/incardinated in the Diocese of Trenton who have been credibly accused of the sexual abuse of a minor. This preliminary list will be updated as more information becomes available. I do this with the greatest sadness and with a heavy heart.
Our first responsibility must always be to those who have endured sexual abuse as minors and the release of these names is our effort to express acceptance of their allegations as credible and to indicate the status of their alleged abusers. I greatly admire and respect the courage of those victims who have come forward. It is our hope that the public presentation of these names will contribute to healing the awful wounds that victims have endured at the hands of some clergy.
Please join me in prayer for all victims of sexual abuse in society, for their families and for all who have been affected and harmed by the sexual abuse of the young and vulnerable. We also pray that the release of these names will encourage anyone who was abused as a child but has not reported that abuse to come forward now.