THUNDER BAY — The Jesuits of Canada, a Catholic religious order, has published the names of more than two dozen priests and brothers across Canada, against whom it says there have been credible accusations of sexual abuse against minors.
Seven of the 27 individuals identified by the Jesuits served parts of their careers in Thunder Bay or seven other communities in the District of Thunder Bay.
All seven are deceased, as are 17 of the others on the list.
"The vast majority of cases came to light after the alleged perpetrator was deceased. Some of those cases never went to criminal or civil litigation," the order noted in a statement Monday.
Six of the seven who served in Northwestern Ontario are said to have been the subjects of multiple allegations.
Over the course of their careers, their assignments included Thunder Bay, Fort William First Nation, Schreiber, Beardmore, Longlac, Armstrong, Heron Bay and Gull Bay First Nation.
Father Erik Oland, the head of the Jesuits of Canada, said the release of the names is the latest in a series of steps the order has taken since the 1990s to address sexual abuse and its aftermath.
"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 ... and to promote justice and transparency," he said.
The disclosure follows an audit launched with the help of an independent investigator in 2020.
The Jesuits stated that although the file review was as exhaustive as possible, it's still possible that other names may surface, so "The list must be considered a living document, which may be added to or modified as additional information is presented."
Oland said that since the 1990s, the Jesuits of Canada have developed comprehensive procedures for receiving and investigating allegations of sexual abuse of minors, and guidelines for reconciliation, healing, accountability and prevention of future acts.
"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 list provides detailed information about the pastoral assignments of the accused, including the schools, parishes or communities they served.
The Jesuits said they encourage any individual who suffered abuse by a Jesuit to notify the appropriate law enforcement or child-protection agency in the location in which the abuse took place.
Victims are also encouraged to contact William Blakeney, the Jesuits' delegate for allegations of misconduct, confidentially via email at [email protected], or by writing to the Jesuits of Canada, 25 Jarry St. W, Montreal QC H2P 1S6.
