SAN DIEGO (NEWS 8) – The Catholic Diocese of San Diego on Monday held the first of eight “listening sessions” in the wake of new revelations of priests who were accused of abusing children decades ago.
The church said it wanted to hear directly from parishioners about how the scandal has affected them. More than 300 people gathered at Our Mother of Confidence to hear what Bishop Robert McElroy said Monday night.
There were mix emotions amidst a sea of concerned and anguished parishioners to Bishop McElroy's response to the church’s history of abuse.
News 8 spoke to Bishop McElroy about the Pennsylvania grand jury report which revealed cases of sexual abuse committed by more than 300 priests over a period of 70 years. “It brings up the fundamental question: How can the church allow this to happen?”
In response to the Pennsylvania report, the San Diego Diocese released the names of eight priests accused of abuse that had not been made public before. Many of the named priests have either passed away or are no longer in the ministry.
Bishop McElroy said there have been no new credible allegations since he was appointed and he believes reforms are working. “The reforms have been working substantially,” he said.
Parishioners, however, want their voices heard when it comes to future reforms.
“The bishops and cardinals have neglected to remember that they are not just the only bodies and parts of Christ that are important. We all have something to contribute,” said one parishioner.
The next listening session will take place Wednesday at St. Joseph's Cathedral.
RELATED