‘Credible’ abuse claims against 12 Little Rock clergy listed

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Catholic Diocese of Little Rock has released a list of 12 clergy who served in Arkansas and have had “credible” allegations against them of sexually abusing minors.

Bishop Anthony B. Taylor said the list released Monday was preliminary and the result of an internal review in the wake of a sweeping grand jury report on child sexual abuse by clergy in Pennsylvania. He says the list will be updated following an independent review of its files by an outside consulting firm.

The diocese named eight priests against whom credible allegations have been substantiated, and another four about whom it has received unsubstantiated though credible allegations. The diocese says it has offered or is offering assistance to their known victims.