In an unprecedented move that Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller says will lead to 'transparency' in the very sensitive issue of pedophile priests, the Archdiocese of San Antonio says it will publicly release the names of every member of the clergy who has been 'credibly' accused of sexual misconduct dating back to the 1950s, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
The Archbishop says the Church needs to be 'honest and transparent.'
"It will be painful and at times deeply troubling, but I believe that it is the best path to healing for survivors and the only path for transformation for our church," he said.
The Archbishop says the list will be released in January, which will give more survivors the time to report abuse.
He says this is a small step, but there are no words that can undo the wrongs that victims have endured at the hands of the church.
"I believe that by releasing these names, it will contribute to healing," he said. "If these actions prevent even a single case of sexual abuse, it is all worth it."
The Catholic Church is reeling under a new round of pedophile priest allegations, including an allegation that Pope Francis himself covered up an abusive priest. The Pope has been asked to step down, but the Vatican has responded by encouraging the Archbishop who made the allegation to 'repent.'