Can be viewed in full at this url from arlingtondiocese.org Here are the high points:
— Since the diocese was established in 1974, nine of the 891 diocesan and religious priests who have served in the diocese, or 1 percent, were accused of sexual abuse of minors by 11 victims.
— Of the nine priests, one was exonerated; two are deceased; one is retired without faculties; and the remaining five are no longer in ministry. They are not permitted to serve in any ministry, celebrate Mass publicly, administer the sacraments, wear clerical garb or present themselves publicly as priests.
— One permanent deacon was also accused of child sexual abuse and is no longer in ministry.
— All of the alleged incidents occurred before 1994.
— No cases are currently pending against the diocese.
— The diocese offers counseling whenever a credible allegation is made. Since the diocese was established in 1974, approximately $55,000 has gone to victim counseling and settlements. In addition, the diocese has incurred approximately $100,000 in legal fees in connection with alleged instances of sexual abuse of minors. These expenses were paid through insurance and general operating revenues of the diocese. The annual diocesan fund-raising appeal (the Bishop’s Lenten Appeal) and the capital campaign (Rooted in Faith ~ Forward in Hope) funds are received as restricted gifts and used only for the areas stated in campaign materials.
I was misinformed earlier this year when I posted that Arlington had no sexual abuse cases in it’s 30-year history. It’s interesting, though, that is says one was exonerated and doesn’t mention anything explicitly about the guilt of the others.