Pa. Supreme Court: Clergy Abuse Report To Be Released With Names Redacted
Follow KDKA-TV: Facebook | Twitter
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP/KDKA) - Pennsylvania's highest court is allowing a landmark grand jury report into clergy child sexual abuse and efforts to cover it up to be released, but for now without the names of priests and others who have challenged the report.
The Supreme Court issued a unanimous ruling Friday that directs the redaction process be completed by Aug. 8, when the 900-page report is expected to be made public.
The court says it will still consider the challenges by priests and others who say their constitutional rights to their reputation and to due process of law would be violated by naming them and making what they have called erroneous findings.
The opinion says the grand jury investigation identified "over 300 'predator priests'" in six Pennsylvania Roman Catholic dioceses.
RELATED STORIES:
- Pa. AG Appeals To Pope Francis For Release Of Diocese Sex Abuse Report
- Erie Diocese Releases Names Of Accused Priests, Educators While Grand Jury Report Remains On Hold
- Grand Jury Report Could Soon Be Released On Sexual Abuse In 6 Pa. Dioceses
- Accuser Asks Pa. Supreme Court To Release Dioceses Sexual Abuse Report
- Pennsylvania Court To Hear Objections To Church Abuse Report
- State Supreme Court Halts Release Of 800-Page Report On Pa. Priest Sexual Abuse
Attorney General Josh Shapiro released the following statement:
"Our fear throughout this process has been that the entire Grand Jury report would be shelved and victims' truth would be silenced. Today's Order ensures that will not be the case — the redacted report on widespread sexual abuse and cover up within the Catholic Church will be released.
"I will continue to fight to ensure every single victim is heard and every priest, bishop and church official is held accountable for their abhorrent conduct. No one victim's truth is any less important than another and no one's criminal conduct any less loathsome.
"Today is a victory for the survivors but our work is not yet done."
Bishop David Zubik released the following statement:
"Today's Supreme Court Opinion supports the many parties in this process. The expedient release of the report allows the voices of victims to be heard. The difficult work of the Grand Jury will promote a public dialogue from which the Diocese of Pittsburgh can continue to improve its protection of children. The rights of individuals will be respected as they are afforded due process of law."
(TM and © Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
