Jesuits of Canada release list of Jesuits credibly accused of abuse of minors

JESUITS

of Canada

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José Sánchez

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Jesuits of Canada release list of Jesuits credibly accused of abuse of minors

Jesuits of Canada release a list of Jesuits who have been credibly accused of abuse of minors.
This is a step towards transparency, accountability, justice and healing for survivors of abuse.
Erik Oland, Provincial of the Jesuits of Canada, emphasizes the Jesuits’ commitment to addressing and preventing abuse.

Montreal, March 13, 2023.- The Jesuits of Canada have released a list of Jesuits who have been credibly accused of abuse of minors. It comes as part of the Jesuits’ ongoing efforts to promote transparency, accountability, justice and healing for survivors of abuse.

“We are publishing this list partly at the request of victims and victim advocacy groups to help promote healing, to recognize the magnitude of their trauma and suffering, to acknowledge their experience, and to promote justice and transparency,” said Fr. Erik Oland, Provincial of the Jesuits of Canada.

The list includes the names of Jesuits from 1950 to the present who have been credibly accused of abuse of minors. It follows a thorough review of Jesuit records. In addition to the archival records, investigations of historic allegations were undertaken by the third party consultants, the King International Group. Of the current 208 members of the province, three men have had a credible accusation made against them.

Fr. Oland reiterated the Jesuits of Canada’s commitment to preventing abuse in the future. “Abuse of any kind is a terrible betrayal of trust, and we are determined to do everything in our power to prevent it from happening again. We will continue to ensure survivors are heard and supported,” he stated.

The Jesuits of Canada Province have taken significant steps to address the issue of sexual abuse of minors. They have established comprehensive procedures to receive and investigate allegations, and put in place guidelines for reconciliation, healing, accountability, and prevention of future incidents. The Province enforces a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of abuse, reflecting their commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for all.

The Jesuits encourage any person who has suffered abuse by a Jesuit to notify the appropriate law enforcement or child-protection agency in the location in which the incident took place. They are further encouraged to contact William Blakeney, the Province’s delegate for allegations of misconduct. He can be reached confidentially via email at wblakeney@jesuits.org, or in writing to the Jesuits of Canada, 25 Jarry St W, Montreal, QC H2P 1S6.

The Province of the Jesuits of Canada covers all 10 Canadian provinces: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Saskatchewan; as well as the three territories: Nunavut, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories. It also includes the country of Haiti.

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Jesuits of Canada – Provincial’s Letter