Catholic diocese around Texas are publishing lists of priests that investigations prove were credibly accused of sexual abuse of minors. Of the 445 priests and 147 permanent deacons who have served in the San Angelo Diocese since its inception in 1961, officials compiled a list of 13 clerics who had credible accusations against them. The 13 include four priests of the Diocese of San Angelo, eight priests from other diocese who served in the region, and one permanent deacon.
The list details the cleric's names, where they held assignments and their status. Those accused served in numerous locations around the San Angelo Diocese, including Abilene, Coleman, Brownwood, Clyde, and Sweetwater. Nine of the 13 named in San Angelo’s list are deceased. The others have been removed from ministry.
According to a statement from Bishop Michael Sis, no-one currently serving in the San Angelo Diocese has a credible allegation of sexual abuse of a minor against them. Sis went on to say, "While trust has been compromised by the serious misconduct of a few, I publicly affirm the goodness and the fidelity of the many.” Bishop Sis also asked for prayer for the healing of all the victims of the sin of sexual abuse.
Bishop Sis encourages anyone who has experienced abuse by church personnel to report it to public law enforcement. The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services provides a secure website for reporting abuse, https://www.txabusehotline.org; and a telephone hotline, 1-800-252-5400. Sis also urges such victims to report abuse to the Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator, Lori Hines, by phone at 325-374-7609 or email at lhines@sanangelodiocese.org.