(Montreal) The Jesuits of Canada published Monday a list of priests and brothers targeted by one or more allegations of a sexual nature. According to the Jesuits, they have been “credibly accused” of sexually abusing minors for the past seven decades across the country.
A total of 27 names appear on the document released following an audit that began in 2020. This audit looked at documents dating back to the 1950s on “all cases of abuse and breaches of boundaries”, says a statement from the Jesuits of Canada.
Only three men named in this list are still alive today. The two Quebec Jesuits who are the subject of several allegations died in 1974 and 1992.
This disclosure of names is part of the Jesuits’ efforts to promote transparency, accountability, justice, but also to contribute to the healing of survivors of sexual assault, explains the religious order in a press release.
Most assaults have come to light after the death of the alleged assailant, and some cases have never resulted in criminal or civil prosecution.
In the statement, the provincial superior of the Jesuits in Canada, Erik Oland, indicates that “although as exhaustive a review as possible of the files has been carried out, it is always possible that other names will appear”.
“Promote Healing”
“Not everyone will see the publication of the list as a positive step,” admits Father Oland. We realize that seeing an attacker’s name printed on it can reopen old wounds. »
“We are releasing this list in part at the request of victims and victim advocacy groups to promote healing, acknowledge the severity of their trauma and suffering, validate their experience, and promote justice and transparency. »
Loyola high school, Jean-de-Brébeuf college and Saint-Charles-Garnier college are among the Quebec schools where the men targeted by the allegations practiced their pastoral activities.
“It is an initiative of the Jesuits and not of the College. However, we salute the courage of the people who spoke out to denounce and the Jesuits’ approach to establishing transparency, “commented Jonathan Gagné, director of communications at Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf. The private college located in Montreal claims to have no information as to the nature of the acts committed and the context in which they took place.
With The Canadian Press