FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bishop David Talley has asked the Review Board of the Diocese of Memphis to compile a list of credibly accused clergy.
MEMPHIS, TN – June 11, 2019
Since his installation as the sixth Bishop of Memphis in Tennessee on April 2, 2019, the Most Reverend David P. Talley, M.S.W., J.C.D., has met twice with the members of the Review Board of the Diocese of Memphis. In each of those meetings, Bishop Talley emphasized how much he values the work of the Review Board, the seriousness with which they take each allegation, and their dedication to ensuring the safety of children.
As he had done as Bishop of Alexandria in Louisiana, Bishop Talley indicated his interest in publishing a list of credibly accused clerics who ministered in the Diocese of Memphis. The Review Board informed Bishop Talley that two comprehensive reviews of the diocesan files on priests and deacons had taken place. One of these reviews was conducted by the former District Attorney General of Shelby County, Tennessee.
Nonetheless, out of an abundance of caution and because he has arrived in Memphis so recently, Bishop Talley directed that lay members of the Review Board conduct their own independent review of the files and bring any information to the Board. The Board would then provide Bishop Talley with a list of the names of those clerics which their review of the files indicated had credible allegations made against them. That process of review and evaluation is underway and Bishop Talley remains committed to publishing a list in cooperation with the Review Board when the process is completed.
Media may contact Amy Hall, Office of Communications Catholic Diocese of Memphis at
amy.hall@cc.cdom.org or 901-373-1252.
