Joshua Bennett
In 2019, the Catholic Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston released the names of 42 clergy members who were credibly accused of sexually abusing minors since 1950. This list was part of the Catholic Church's efforts to improve transparency and promote healing and the restoration of trust. The list included priests who were deceased, retired, or removed from the ministry, some of whom had served in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. The release of the list sparked mixed reactions, with some calling for more independent investigations and transparency from the Church. The scandal involving Catholic priests and cover-ups has been ongoing for decades, and thousands of people have reported sexual abuse by Catholic officials in Texas, with many winning their cases.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of victims | 46 |
| Number of perpetrators | 22 priests and 4 deacons |
| Time period | 1959-2011 (over the past 53 years) |
| Location | Roman Catholic Diocese of Galveston-Houston |
| Age of victims | 13 years old |
| Gender of victims | Male |
| Type of abuse | Sexual abuse, molestation, indecency with a child |
| Outcome | Settlements, counseling, and legal fees costing the diocese $3.6 million |
| Reporting | 80% of abuse reported in the past 10 years |
| Credibility of allegations | Considered credible after investigations |
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What You'll Learn
- The impact of Catholic child abuse on victims in Houston
- The number of Catholic priests accused of child abuse in Houston
- The response of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston to allegations
- The legal recourse available to victims of Catholic child abuse in Houston
- The impact of Catholic child abuse on the community in Houston
The impact of Catholic child abuse on victims in Houston
In 2011, it was revealed that twenty-two priests and four deacons sexually abused 46 minors in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Galveston-Houston over a period of 53 years. Eighty percent of the abuse occurred before 1980 but was only reported in the past 10 years. The confirmed sex abuse allegations cost the diocese $3.6 million in settlements, counseling, and legal fees.
The impact of the abuse on the victims has been devastating. Many have struggled with mental health issues, substance abuse, and trust issues. Some have also faced difficulties in their personal relationships and experienced problems with intimacy and closeness. The abuse has also had a lasting impact on the victims' sense of self-worth and confidence, with many struggling with feelings of shame and guilt.
The families of the victims have also been deeply affected by the abuse. Parents and caregivers have often felt a sense of guilt and betrayal, questioning whether they could have done more to protect their children. Siblings of the victims have also been impacted, sometimes struggling with feelings of anger and resentment, as well as their own sense of trauma and distress.
The Houston community as a whole has been shaken by the revelations of Catholic child abuse. There has been a loss of trust in the Catholic Church and its leaders, with many questioning the integrity and morality of the institution. The community has also grappled with a sense of betrayal and outrage, as the abuse was often perpetrated by individuals in positions of power and authority.
In the wake of the abuse scandals, there has been a renewed focus on justice and healing for the victims in Houston. Support groups, such as the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP), have offered a space for victims to share their experiences and find solace in shared understanding. Legal avenues have also been pursued, with Texas expanding its legislation on child abuse statutes of limitations, allowing victims to register complaints and file civil cases without time restrictions.
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The number of Catholic priests accused of child abuse in Houston
In 2019, the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston released the names of 40 priests it deemed "credibly accused" of sexual abuse of a minor, dating back to 1950. The list included 23 diocesan priests, 13 religious order priests, and four visiting priests. The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston also noted that it was investigating four priests, one of whom, Manuel La Rosa Lopez, pled guilty to charges of indecency with a child in December 2020. The other three priests named were deceased.
The Houston Chronicle reported that the Catholic Diocese of Texas released the names of 13 clergy members "credibly accused" of sexually abusing minors, dating back to 1950. The scandal involving priests and cover-ups within the Catholic Church has been ongoing for decades.
Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, the Archbishop of Galveston-Houston, released a statement disclosing the names of clergy who served in the Archdiocese and had been credibly accused of child sexual abuse. He said that the decision to release the names was made "to offer healing and hope to those who have suffered." The cardinal also offered his "sincerest apology" and acknowledged that the church had been "lacerated by this wound."
While the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston identified 40 priests, other sources claim that nearly 300 priests in Texas have been accused of child sexual abuse. According to research by the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, 4% of the 110,000 priests who served in the Roman Catholic Church between 1950 and 2002 faced or are facing allegations of child sexual abuse.
In addition to the above, here are the names of some Catholic priests in the Houston region who have been accused of child sexual abuse:
- Dennis Peterson, who founded the Houston Community Youth Center and served as a chaplain, was accused of molesting one of the at-risk youths he was counselling. Three more adults came forward to accuse him of molesting them as teens in the mid-1970s.
- Rev Walter Dayton Salisbury, a Catholic chaplain at Texas Southern University, was arrested in 1978 on allegations of molesting a 13-year-old boy. He later pleaded no contest and received probation. He was convicted of molesting another child in 1993.
- Schoppe, who oversaw the St. Dominic Center in Houston, was forced to resign from the ministry amid an allegation of child molestation. He was also accused of molesting four children while serving as pastor of St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Houston from 1967 to 1974.
- Turic was charged with indecency with a child in 1977 and was removed from his duties as a priest that year.
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The response of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston to allegations
The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston has faced numerous allegations of child sexual abuse by its clergy members. In response to these allegations, the Archdiocese has taken several actions to address the issue and provide accountability.
In 2019, the Archdiocese released a list of 42 priests who had been "credibly accused" of sexually abusing children over several decades. This list was presented as an effort to restore trust and transparency within the Church. The Archdiocese defined a credible allegation as one where there is reason to believe the allegation is true after reviewing relevant information in consultation with a Review Board. The Review Board, comprised primarily of laypersons of multiple professions and religious affiliations, was established in 2002 with the adoption of a Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.
The Archdiocese has also been responsive to external investigations and legal proceedings. In November 2018, dozens of state and local law enforcement officers executed a search warrant on the Archdiocese's offices, seeking records related to Father Manuel La Rosa-Lopez, who was accused of sexually abusing at least two children. The Archdiocese acknowledged the investigation and expressed gratitude to the community members who came forward with information. Additionally, the Archdiocese has cooperated with civil lawsuits filed against accused clergy members, with some cases resulting in dismissals or findings of no credible evidence.
Furthermore, the Archdiocese has taken disciplinary actions against accused clergy members. For example, in 1992, Schoppe was forced to resign from his ministry due to allegations of child molestation. Similarly, John Keller, one of the priests under investigation, was removed from ministry in 2003 based on the recommendation of a church review board. These actions demonstrate the Archdiocese's commitment to addressing allegations and taking appropriate measures to protect its congregation.
While the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston has taken steps to address the allegations of child sexual abuse, the impact on the victims and the broader community cannot be understated. The release of accused priests' names and the ongoing legal proceedings indicate a continued effort to bring justice and healing to those affected.
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The legal recourse available to victims of Catholic child abuse in Houston
Victims of Catholic child abuse in Houston, Texas, have legal recourse options available to them. The state's legislation has expanded the statute of limitations for child abuse, allowing victims to seek justice and compensation for the physical and mental abuse they have endured.
In Texas, victims of child abuse have up to 30 years from the date they turn 18 to file a civil lawsuit against their abusers. This extended window aims to address the long-term impact of abuse and provide victims with the time they need to process their trauma and take legal action.
Several law firms in Houston specialize in clergy abuse cases and offer guidance to survivors seeking justice. These firms emphasize the importance of legal action in holding perpetrators accountable and providing emotional and financial restitution for survivors. They also highlight the unique challenges faced by survivors of Catholic clergy abuse, given the position of trust held by the abusers and the inadequate responses from the Church in many cases.
When choosing a lawyer, it is crucial to select one with specialized expertise in clergy abuse. These lawyers can navigate the complexities of such cases and provide tailored support to survivors. They can assist survivors in building strong cases, seeking compensation, and holding the liable diocese and larger Catholic institution accountable.
In addition to legal recourse, various support mechanisms are available to survivors, including therapy, support groups, hotlines, online communities, and local support groups. These resources can provide emotional and psychological support, helping survivors heal and cope with the aftermath of abuse.
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The impact of Catholic child abuse on the community in Houston
The impact of Catholic child abuse on the Houston community has been significant and far-reaching. The revelation of abuse perpetrated by Catholic clergy in Houston has caused widespread outrage and distress, with many community members expressing shock and disbelief that such acts could occur within the Church.
The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston has confirmed that 22 priests and four deacons sexually abused 46 minors in the Roman Catholic Diocese over a period of 53 years. This has had a profound impact on the victims and their families, with the abuse costing the diocese $3.6 million in settlements, counselling, and legal fees. The majority of the abuse occurred before 1980 but was only reported in the past decade, indicating a culture of silence and cover-ups within the Church.
The release of the names of priests and clergy members "credibly accused" of abuse in the Houston region has further shaken the community. Notable cases include that of Dennis Peterson, who founded the Houston Community Youth Center and was accused of molesting multiple youths in his care, and Rev Walter Dayton Salisbury, a Catholic chaplain at Texas Southern University, who pleaded no contest to charges of molesting a 13-year-old boy.
The impact of these revelations extends beyond the immediate victims and their families. The Catholic Church in Houston has faced a crisis of confidence, with many community members questioning the integrity and morality of the institution. There has been a push for greater accountability and transparency from the Church, with American bishops instituting rules to combat abuse and remove offending priests from parishes.
The Houston community has also seen the rise of support groups and advocacy organizations, such as the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP), which provides support and a platform for victims to share their stories. The community has also witnessed legal efforts to seek justice and compensation for victims, with law firms specializing in clergy abuse cases and Texas expanding its legislation on child abuse statutes of limitations to allow more time for victims to come forward.
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Frequently asked questions
Victims of Catholic child abuse in Houston can contact the Texas Abuse Hotline, or seek help from organisations such as CACTX, which provides justice and healing for victims of child abuse. They can also contact a Houston Clergy Abuse Lawyer to file a claim.
Texas is one of 15 states that have expanded their legislation on child abuse statutes of limitations. This means that victims can register complaints and file civil cases, no matter the amount of time since the abuse occurred.
Twenty-two priests and four deacons sexually abused 46 minors in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Galveston-Houston over the past 53 years, according to church officials. However, it is important to view these numbers with scepticism as they are self-reported.
In 2019, the names of 42 priests in the Houston area were released, who had been "credibly accused" of child sexual abuse. One of these priests was Dennis Peterson, who founded the Houston Community Youth Center and served as a chaplain. He was accused of molesting one of the at-risk youths he was tasked with counseling.
