In an effort to become more transparent, the Maryland Province of the Society of Jesus released the names of Jesuits in our area, or those who have served in our area, who they say have been credibly accused of the sexual abuse of minors since 1950.
We are deeply sorry for the harm we have caused to victims and their families. We also apologize for participating in the harm that abuse has done to our Church, a Church that we love and that preaches God’s care for all, especially the most vulnerable among us. The People of God have suffered, and they rightly demand transparency and accountability. We hope that this disclosure of names will contribute to reconciliation and healing.
The Maryland Province says they have instituted numerous reforms in the last 15 years to respond to claims of abuse and trying to protect minors. Most of the incidents that are now being released are from decades ago, and the most recent case in Maryland was in 2002.
"We view the disclosure today of our shameful history as part of our commitment now to preventing abuse. The Maryland Province employs a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual abuse and reports to civil authorities accusations of sexual abuse involving a minor," the organization explained in a letter.
The organization continued to say they have implemented ethics in ministry policies in place for Jesuits since 2003, and an independent review board evaluated accusations and their response to them.
Below are the released documents showing who has been responsible for the reported abuse:
Jesuits with an allegation of an offense against a minor (anyone under the age of 18) that could not be fully investigated to determine credibility, but for which there is a reasonable possibility (semblance of truth) that the alleged offense occurred. (These are deceased or former Maryland Province Jesuits or deceased or former Jesuits from another Province whose alleged offense took place in the Maryland Province. Reasons a full investigation would not be possible include that the allegation was brought forward after the death of the Jesuit or that historic information on the allegation is incomplete.)
If you or someone you know suspects abuse by any clergy or employee of the Province to contact local civil authorities and/or the provincial’s office of the Maryland Province. Their Victim Assistance Coordinator can be reached at 443-370-6357, MARadvocacy@jesuits.org, or through writing to Maryland Province of the Society of Jesus, 8600 LaSalle Rd, Suite 620, Towson, MD 21286.
