BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — On Tuesday, the bishop of the Diocese of Fresno issued a statement following a press conference calling on him to disclose names and information on 23 publicly accused clerics in the Fresno area.
In the statement, Bishop Joseph V. Brennan says that the diocese is currently in phase one of their investigation and is reviewing clergy files. The statement goes on to say that victims advocacy will be a crucial part of their decision making process and an estimated time for the release of these requested names will be determined.
On Monday, SNAP updated their list of publicly accused clerics in the Fresno area. According to Joey Piscitelli of SNAP California, the new list contains 23 clerics publicly accused of misconduct.
In the statement released by the Fresno Diocese, Bishop Brennan added that along with 11 other Catholic Diocese in the state, the Fresno Diocese has been asked by the California Attorney General's office to preserve documents that concern their compliance as mandatory reporters of child abuse to local law enforcement.
The bishop also said that the diocese intends to cooperate with the Attorney General's request as well as any other requests from law enforcement, and will work out details with them directly.
SNAP also called on the Fresno Diocese to address sexual misconduct allegations made against Monsignor Craig Harrison. They say the recent allegations against Monsignor Harrison are concerning.
