Archdiocese of Seattle publishes list of clergy accused of sexual abuse

archdioceseThe Archdiocese of Seattle on Friday published a list of clergy and religious brothers and sisters “for whom allegations of sexual abuse of a minor have been admitted, established or determined to be credible.”

The diocese said it published the list as part of its “ongoing commitment to transparency and to encourage persons sexually abused by clergy or by anyone working on behalf of the Church to come forward.”

Barry Ashwell, who served at St. Piux X parish in Mountlake Terrace from 1970-71. Ashwell is listed as “laicized,” which means he is no longer a member of the clergy and has been returned to lay status. Another local name on the list is a nun who served at Edmonds’ Holy Rosary School 40 years ago is included on the list: Sr. Dolores Crosby, now deceased, was at the school from 1973-1978.

You can view the complete list here.

The 77 individuals named in this list have either served or lived in the Archdiocese of Seattle, as noted, the announcement said. “Locations of known assignments or residences are listed, however this does not mean that there are allegations of abuse at each place. Despite our best efforts to assure that this information is accurate and complete, we know that this list may include errors or be incomplete.”

The list, compiled through an independent outside consultant and the members of the Archdiocesan Review Board, will be updated as new information is received or identified, the news release said.

In a news release on the Seattle Archdiocese website, Seattle Archbishop J. Peter Sartain apologized for abuse: “I express my deepest apologies for the actions of those who were in positions of trust and who violated that sacred trust by abusing the vulnerable in their care,” he said. “I will continue to pray for all survivors of sexual abuse, and deeply regret that vulnerable individuals in the Church’s care have been harmed.”

The archdiocese says anyone who has knowledge of sexual abuse or misconduct by a member of the clergy, an employee or volunteer of the Archdiocese of Seattle is urged to call 1-800-446-7762.

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