Diocese says it is finalizing list of clergy accused of sexual assault
Norwich — A spokesman for the Diocese of Norwich said Thursday that it is finalizing its list of clergy members who have been accused of sexually assaulting minors.
Late last month, the diocese had said it would release its list of priests and deacons “credibly accused” of sexual assault “sometime near the end of January."
On Thursday, diocese spokesman Wayne Gignac said the diocese “is finalizing a comprehensive review of the files for ALL clergy (bishops, priests and deacons) who have served in the Diocese since its establishment on August 6, 1953.”
He added that, “A volunteer team of lay people with canonical and law enforcement experience is very close to completing the process of identifying those members of the clergy, against whom allegations of substance concerning sexual misconduct against minors have been received. Once the final list of names has been compiled by the team and reviewed by Bishop Michael R. Cote, it will be distributed to parishes and posted on the diocesan website.”
Gignac could not say when the list would be released.
Asked if the list also will include the amount of settlements paid to victims and where that money came from, Gignac said, “Any further questions will be addressed only after the list and any accompanying materials are released.”
Last week, the Archdiocese of Hartford released a list of 48 priests who have been “credibly accused” of sexual assault or been the subject of legal settlements, including six who served in or were members of the Norwich Diocese.
The Hartford Archdiocese also said it has paid out $50.6 million in settlements to the victims of some of the 48 priests.
A review by The Day shows that at least 28 priests and brothers affiliated with the Diocese of Norwich have been accused of sexually assaulting children and adults in the diocese, according to lawsuits, depositions, sworn statements and statements from alleged victims.
The Norwich Diocese has never detailed how much it has paid out in settlements to alleged victims, nor where that money has come from.
