The Catholic Archdiocese of Hartford on Tuesday released a list of nearly 50 clergy members credibly accused of sexually assaulting minors.
The Archdiocese released the names of the clergy who have been the objects of legal settlements or who were credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor from 1953 until present. The list also has the names of religious order priests and priests from other dioceses who have been credibly accused of an offense that took place in the Archdiocese, the Archdiocese said in a release.
Since 1953, 36 archdiocesan clergy members have been credibly accused, however, 23, are now deceased, according to the Archdiocese.
Twelve more clergy members are named as part of the religious order priests and those outside the Archdiocese.
See the full list of accused clergy here.
The Archdiocese of Hartford said there are currently no priests in the ministry who have been credibly accused.
Wethersfield resident Helen Martins said she knows two of the priests on the list.
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"I’m very very hurt by it," she said, adding that she is praying for everyone involved and that the information doesn't change the way she feels about her church.
An independent investigation will be conducted to provide a comprehensive and transparent account of sexual abuse of minors by the clergy in the Archdiocese of Hartford, officials said.
“The bishops - and the Pope has not been strong enough to punish and take these priests out of commission," said Bernie Rand of Hartford, who added that he was shocked and extremely disappointed by the list.
To date, there have been 142 settled claims involving 29 archdiocesan clergy and three priests from other dioceses, the Archdiocese said. The settlements total $50.6 million and 98 percent of the settlements paid for were for allegations of abuse of a minor that occurred before 1990, they added.
