Virginia’s two Catholic bishops release names of 58 priests they say have been credibly accused of sexually abusing minors

By Michelle Boorstein and Sarah Pulliam Bailey February 13 at 7:08 PM

Virginia’s two Catholic dioceses Wednesday released lists of clergy whom officials say were deemed “credibly accused” of sexually abusing youth, the latest in a slew of U.S. dioceses to make public such names amid a national crisis over clerical abuse and cover-ups.

The diocese of Arlington, which covers the northeastern corner of Virginia, released a list of 16 names. It said the list was the product of two former FBI agents contracted by the diocese and given access to clergy files and information dating to its founding in 1974. It wasn’t immediately clear if any of the names were completely new to Catholics of the diocese.

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge said in a letter that he ordered the list be released to help “victims and survivors of clergy abuse to find further healing and consolation.”

The diocese of Richmond, which covers the rest of the state, released 42 names.

Bishop Barry Knestout, who came to Richmond in January 2018, wrote in a letter that the church is called to be “immersed” in reconcilation. “We need to bring to light the damage that has been done by child sexual abuse in the Church in order for healing to take place," he wrote. "We must continue to demonstrate our commitment to never let this happen again.”

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