(Fresno, CA) – Today, the Diocese of Fresno and Bishop Joseph Vincent Brennan released a list of over 60 names of clergy with allegations of sexual abuse of minors and young people. Prior to today’s release, the diocese has never released a list of names of credibly accused clergy.
Until today, the Diocese of Fresno was one of sixteen Catholic Dioceses in the United States that has neglected to publish a list of credibly accused clergy. Many consider this long-overdue step to be the bare minimum diocesan officials should do to protect the vulnerable and heal the wounded. Over two years ago, Bishop Joseph Vincent Brennan pledged to release a list of credibly accused clerics, but failed to do so until now. The empty promises and lack of action by the Bishop have continued to keep innocent children at risk of horrific crimes.
“The delayed release of this list is long over-due and a thinly veiled attempt to stifle survivors and public scrutiny,” said attorney Jeff Anderson. “Survivors have been waiting decades for accountability and transparency and they deserve more.”
Included on the list is former Fresno priest Msgr. Craig Harrison. Multiple survivors have come forward alleging abuse by Harrison as recently as June 2021. Bishop Brennan and the Diocese have remained silent on Harrison until today. Not included in the list of priests are Fr. Anthony Moreno and Fr. Efren Neri, both of whom were publicly identified in lawsuits as alleged perpetrators of child sexual abuse.
The release of this list would not have happened without the courageous sexual abuse survivors who have shared their painful truths with the institutions that betrayed them. Without releasing a complete list with a full account of the perpetrators’ histories and their current whereabouts, a public safety imperative remains.