Bishop Jaime Soto issued the following statement in relation to additions to the list of clergy credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor in our Diocese:
In April, the Diocese of Sacramento released a list of priests and deacons who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of minors and young people in our diocese over the past seven decades. At the time the list was published, I promised it would be a living document. My co-workers and I work continually to ensure it is complete and that it provides a thorough reckoning of the evil of the sins committed against innocents in our faith community.
In the months since the list was published, I have added to the list as new information became available to our Independent Review Board. I am grateful to the brave men and women who have come forward to tell the truth and to help all of us prevent these horrible sins from ever occurring again.
In total, I have added nine new allegations to the list. Eight of these involved priests are already on the list. One involved a priest not formerly named, and that priest has been added to the registry.
That priest is Msgr. Cornelius F. O’Connor, who was assigned to Our Lady of the Assumption parish from 1972 until his death in 1989. The diocese’s Independent Review Board reviewed the accusation involving Msgr. O’Connor and found it credible, and worthy of inclusion on the list. The allegation involves abuse of a minor in the late 1980s.
My work to own the sins of the past and atone for them will continue. The pain and suffering of the victims will never go away, and so my work to atone for these sins can never end either. I ask that we abide in praying for God’s healing mercy upon those whose trust was exploited and whose innocence was taken from them.
If you or someone you know is a victim of clergy sexual abuse, I encourage you to report this to law enforcement, and to seek help for the pain it has caused. The Diocese’s Pastoral Care Coordinator may be reached through a toll-free number at 866-777-9133.
The list of credibly accused priests and deacons can be viewed at https://www.scd.org/clergyabuse/list
To read more about the safeguards and protections our diocese has in place to protect the young and vulnerable, visit https://www.scd.org/clergyabuse/continuous-vigilance