An Albuquerque news source reported that the Diocese of Gallup has begun background checks on some 400 members of the New Mexico Catholic clergy. The diocese wants to know if any member of the priesthood has a history of sexual abuse accusations or charges. The diocese states they have gone through a third of the records of active priests.
Bishop James S. Wall, appointed in February of this year, has called for the evaluation of the Diocese of Gallup. His intention is for every priest who is currently serving the diocese or who will be serving the diocese will be put through a full background check.
This urge to protect parishioners from clergy abuse was spurred on by an investigation into Cuba priest Father John Boland. According to the diocese, Boland was accused of sexual abuse 26 years ago while he was serving as a priest in Arizona. Boland was able to continue serving the church and charges were reportedly dropped. Now the Diocese of Gallup has put Boland on administrative leave pending further investigation.
In order to avoid further "surprises" like that of Boland's record, Bishop Wall wants all files to be reviewed and if there are credible accusations of child abuse, they must be investigated.
The results of the background checks will be released later this year.
Clergy abuse is not only criminal and punishable by the fullest extent of the law, it can also leave an indelible psychological wound on the survivor of the abuse. Children, adolescents and teens who have suffered sexual abuse at the hands of a Catholic priest deserve to get justice. If you or a loved one has suffered clergy abuse, please contact an attorney at the Zalkin Law Firm as soon as possible. We can help.
