Austin Churches Remain Hopeful Amidst Sexual Misconduct

By Hunter Buttner
Senior News Reporter

AUSTIN, Texas – Following the choice by the 15 Diocese of Texas to release the names of clergy members credibly accused of sexual misconduct with minors, the Catholic community in the Austin area remains devout.

After announcing in October that they would release the names of clergy members credibly accused of sexual misconduct with minors, the Diocese of Austin posted the list last week on Jan., 31. Of the 282 names released for the entire state of Texas, 22 are associated with the Diocese of Austin. Twelve of those are deceased, nine have been removed from the ministry in some way, and one is still a priest for the Archdiocese of Kingston.

Despite all of this information, churches in the Austin area have seen an increase in mass attendance. Christian Gonzales, Director of Communication for the Diocese of Austin, said that it is common in times like these for people seek community support within the church.

In an effort to restore trust in the church, Joe S. Vasquez, Bishop of the Diocese of Austin, said that they are planning to amend the list with any new credible allegations they receive. Vasquez also said that the church will do all that is possible to prevent sexual abuse of minors in the future.

For more information about how the Diocese of Austin is planning on doing this, you can visit their website here.

Featured image by Hunter Buttner.