Diocese to hand over nearly 70 years of records in sex abuse review

July 23, 2019 11:34 am

By News Staff

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – Investigators will soon have access to nearly 70 years of church records and files as part of a review of clergy child sexual abuse within the Diocese of Providence.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence has agreed to turn over clergy files as part of an investigation by the Attorney General’s Office and State Police.

The Diocese said it will provide access to files dating from January 1, 1950, to the present.

“What this Memorandum of Understanding does, it permits us to get access to a much wider scope of information going back a much longer period of time,” said Attorney General Peter Neronha.

In July, the Diocese released a list of 50 priests who were “credibly” accused of sexual abuse.

Attorney General Neronha said his office will review all complaints and allegations of child sexual abuse by clergy, whether deemed credible by the Diocese of not, to try and figure out if anyone can be held responsible.

“I have no doubt there will be a lot of files that we’re gonna need to go through. That’s the point though, I want as much information as possible,” said Neronha.

Bishop Thomas Tobin said in a statement:

“I welcome this opportunity to continue our cooperation with the Rhode Island Office of Attorney General and the Rhode Island State Police. It also affirms our longstanding commitment to transparency and accountability in dealing with clergy sexual abuse of minors.”

The Attorney General doesn’t yet know what will be uncovered in the review, that’s why he says he’s unsure if he’ll issue a report. If he does, it won’t be for several months.

“It’s a step forward. It won’t be the last step, but we’ll see where it takes us.”

Victims of clergy abuse are strongly encouraged to reach out to Jonathan Elliott with the Rhode Island State Police at (401)-444-1372. Victims may also contact Day One’s Support Line at 401-421-4100 x444.