A report by the Maryland Attorney General, Democrat Anthony Brow, states that 158 ​​members of the Catholic clergy (priests, seminarians, religious school teachers) abused no less than 600 children over several decades.
This is stated in this 456-page document that was unveiled this Wednesday. It means a relevant development in the face of the legal battle to prevent its disclosure and means providing more evidence about parishes throughout the country that have made similar revelations and that have impacted the foundations of the Catholic Church.
Judge Robert Taylor, of the Baltimore court, allowed the release of this document in a redacted version (names of those involved appear crossed out). “The need for disclosure outweighs the need for secrecy,†Taylor wrote in his order.
“From 1940 to 2022, more than a hundred priests and other members of the Archdiocese of Baltimore were implicated in horrific and repeated abuses committed against the most vulnerable minors in their communities while religious leaders looked the other way,” stresses the minister. prosecution document.
“Time and time again, members of the Catholic Church hierarchy refused to take into account the allegations of sexual abuse and covered them up for as long as possible,” he insists.
The investigation began in 2018 and Brown assured that more than 300 people contacted his office. These testimonies allowed them to access medical and personal treatment records and police procedures. From there, the lawyers interviewed hundreds of victims, their families and other witnesses.
“One thing consistent throughout the entire investigation is the absolute power and authority these abusive priests and religious leaders held over the victims, their families and the community. The report compiles documents from this long and sordid history,” the attorney general stressed at a press conference.
Many of these abusers have died or their possible crimes have already prescribed. “Although it may be too late for the victims to see the response of justice, we are hopeful that by exposing the archdiocese’s transgressions to the fullest extent, it will offer some sense of accountability and encourage others to speak out about what they suffered. “added the Maryland attorney general.
