All Catholic bishops in Texas on Thursday simultaneously released the names of priests who have been “credibly accused” of sexual abuse.
The level of detail regarding the allegations and the consequences given to the priests was based on the individual bishops.
There are three Catholic dioceses in the Brazos Valley. Bryan and College Station are in the Diocese of Austin. Nine of the 22 priests accused of sexual abuse during the last 70 years served in Bryan, Hearne, Bremond, Calvert, Cameron, and Marlin. Bishop Joe Vásquez stated this was not an indication that the abuse occurred at those locations.
Three priests who served in Navasota were identified by the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, along with priests who served in Bryan, Huntsville, Crockett, and Trinity.
The Diocese of Tyler, which includes parishes in Leon and Madison counties, identified one priest who served in Tyler.
Click HERE for names released by the Diocese of Austin.
Click HERE for names released by the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.
Click HERE for names released by the Diocese of Tyler.
Click HERE for names released by the Archdiocese of San Antonio.
Click HERE for names released by the Catholic Diocese of Dallas.
Bishop Vásquez Announcement (Jan, 2019) from Diocese of Austin on Vimeo.
From the Diocese of Austin Bishop, the Most Reverend Joe S. Vásquez:
To my beloved faithful of the Diocese of Austin:
With a contrite heart, today I have published a list of clergy and religious who have been credibly accused of committing sexual abuse against a minor. Simultaneously, my brother bishops throughout Texas are also publishing similar lists. It is my prayer and hope that publishing this list will help to bring healing from the hurt and anger caused by the lack of accountability and transparency on the part of church leadership.
The victims of sexual abuse by clergy have experienced much pain; we must continue to pray and care for our brothers and sisters who have suffered greatly. I apologize to the victims and their families for the diocese’s failures. The Church must always be willing to recognize and correct its failings.
To compile this list, I engaged outside professionals who worked with diocesan staff, most of whom are laypersons, to review 70 years of archived documents. The list contains the names of priests, deacons, or religious about whom the Diocese of Austin has received a credible allegation of committing sexual abuse against a minor. If the diocese receives additional credible allegations, the list will be amended. If you believe a name is missing from this list, please contact the diocese.
In 2002, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops implemented the Charter for the protection of children. The Charter, coupled with the implementation of our Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) program, has had a significant impact in reducing the abuse of minors by clergy. Yet, we must remain vigilant in protecting children from harm.
If you have suffered sexual abuse and have not reported it, please report the abuse to law enforcement authorities. If the sexual abuse occurred by a minister in the church, please also contact our Office of Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM).
As Bishop of this Diocese, I remain committed to the care of all the People of God, especially those who have been sexually abused by the Church’s ministers. I ask the intercession of Mary, the Mother of Jesus and our mother, to pray for us, as we strive for holiness and truth. May she look with tender compassion on those who have been hurt just as she lovingly stood by her Son at the foot of the cross.
Faithfully in Christ,
Most Reverend Joe S. Vásquez
Bishop of Austin