This weekend, two more priests were added to a list of 33 "credibly accused" of sexually abusing an unknown number of children and/or removed from ministry in the diocese.
Catholics in the Diocese of Jefferson City received an updated list of 35 priests and religious brothers credibly accused and/or removed from ministry in the diocese. The information was provided in parish bulletins in the diocese, which covers 38 counties in central and northeast Missouri.
Parishioners also received a statement from Bishop Shawn McKnight and other details on the work of the diocese regarding the protection of children and vulnerable adults.
On Monday, the diocese put out a short press release, but McKnight nor any other diocese officials provided any public comment on the new names added to the list.
In his letter to this parishioners, McKnight said the two priests added were: Don Greene, deceased, and Mel Lahr, who was removed from ministry because of a credible allegation of violation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.
A third man, Robert Duesdieker, was on the previous list under the heading "Clergy who have served in the Diocese of Jefferson City found by the diocesan bishop to be unsuitable for ministry out of concern for the safety of our youth. He is now listed as a cleric who was removed from the ministry."
Last month, McKnight announced a list of 33 non-active clergy men and religious brothers who have worked in the diocese after its establishment in 1956, who one way or another have been removed from service and who more likely than not sexually abused children or were found not fit to work around children. The list includes 14 clergy men or religious brothers who are dead; 15 living who have been permanently removed from ministry; two more who have been essentially defrocked; another one who has been expelled from the diocese; and one who has been criminally convicted and imprisoned.
Helen Osman, director of diocesan communication, on Monday said, "Because of new allegations, the Diocesan Review Board determined that the reason for Duesdieker's removal was for being credibly accused of actions which were in violation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People."
Osman also said, "In respect of the requests of some victims and their families, we are not listing assignments (of where priests served). We also acknowledge that some of the clergy on the list may have had access to children and young people throughout the diocese through participation in some diocesan-wide programs."
"These men have been added to the list after our Diocesan Review Board on Dec. 5 made a recommendation that the allegations against them be deemed credible," McKnight wrote. "After considering all the testimony, I concur with the Review Board and deem these allegations credible.I am grateful to the members of the Review Board for their expertise and commitment to our Diocese's efforts to provide safe, holy and healthy environments for our children, young people and vulnerable adults.
"It is important to remember that, while only one on the list has been criminally convicted, the Church holds a much higher standard for those who serve its people holding a sacred trust.
"The solemn vows we take when we are ordained or enter religious life call us to higher standards of conduct. As of today, there has not ever been a credible accusation of sexual abuse of a minor against any clergy or religious now serving in the Diocese of Jefferson City."
McKnight encouraged people to report any suspected abuse or victimization by someone representing the Catholic Church to the Missouri Child Abuse & Neglect hotline (1-800-392-3738), the Missouri Adult Abuse & Neglect Hotline (1-800-392-0210), and the diocese's Victim Assistance Coordinator, Nancy Hoey, at 573-694-3199 or [email protected].