Harrisburg, Pa., Aug 1, 2018 / 15:00 pm
The Diocese of Harrisburg has released the names of 71 priests, deacons, and seminarians accused of sexual misconduct involving children in the diocese during the past 70 years. At the same time, Bishop Ronald Gainer of Harrisburg issued an apology to abuse survivors.
Gainer made the announcement Wednesday, August 1, at a press conference in Harrisburg. More than half of the individuals named on the list have died, and none are currently in active ministry within the Diocese of Harrisburg.
Along with the list of accused, the diocese also launched the Diocese of Harrisburg Youth Protection Program, a new child protection website. The site offers resources for survivors, information about child protection training, and a mechanism for reporting suspected abuse.
"Many of those victimized as children continue as survivors to suffer from the harm they experienced. In my own name, and in the name of the diocesan church of Harrisburg, I express profound sorrow and I apologize to the survivors of child sex abuse," said Gainer.