Diocese Of New Ulm Releases Names Of 4 Accused Priests
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO/AP) -- The Diocese of New Ulm has released the names of four priests accused of sexual abuse.
St. Paul lawyer Jeff Anderson says that, of the four named, one has to his knowledge not been publicly named before -- Father Dennis Becker.
The other three named by the Diocese of New Ulm have all died. They were Father David Roney, Father John Murphy, and Father Michael Skoblik.
Becker is retired, according to the diocese. He was at the Church of the Holy Trinity in 1964 and 1965.
"Any time there is a release of information about offenders, it is a step forward," Anderson said. "However, when done quietly and without substantive disclosure there's still a lack of transparency."
Last month, Anderson released the names of 17 clergy members accused of sexual abuse or misconduct with a minor in the Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis.
On the archdiocese's website, Auxiliary Bishop Andrew Cozzens says the archdiocese hopes the posting will encourage those abused by priests to come forward to not only file claims but also for help in healing.
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