Bishop Talley Releases Review Board Report
February 28, 2020
MEMPHIS, TENN. by Office of Communications
Before his installation as the sixth Bishop of Memphis, Bishop David Talley was “horrified and scandalized” by reports of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. He was heartbroken and deeply saddened for the victims of these crimes and was shocked to learn that some of those in authority ignored their cries or minimized the damage.
Bishop Talley promised to do everything in his power to safeguard children and youth and to help those who were victims of abuse. He committed to being transparent and bringing to light any wrong doings of the past so healing can take place.
Similar to what he had done as the Bishop of Alexandria in Louisiana, Bishop Talley immediately asked the Memphis Diocesan Review Board to examine, prepare and disclose a list of clergy, credibly accused of sexual abuse of minors. Also, to insure the most thorough process, the Bishop authorized the employment of a professional investigation company, Inquisitor, to assist the Review Board in investigating claims.
The Memphis Diocesan Review Board met numerous times to review any evidence in the Diocese of Memphis 442 clergy personnel files that might indicate sexual abuse of a minor. In all, there were three searches of the files with the most recent completed in December of 2019. In January, Bishop Talley asked the investigators to examine all of the files again to make sure that nothing had been overlooked. The investigators recently completed looking at every clergy personnel file.
With that said, below you will find:
A letter from Bishop Talley addressing the sexual abuse of minors by clergy
A full report to Bishop Talley from the Review Board with the credibly accused clergy list.
A recent Review Board Update that includes their names and backgrounds.
If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual abuse as a minor, please immediately call The Tennessee Child Abuse Hotline at 1-877-237-0004. Sexual abuse is a serious crime and must be treated as such. If you would like more information or need help, please contact our Director of Child & Youth Protection at (901) 359-2027.
