Releasing a report containing the identities, histories, photographs and information on 43 clerics accused of child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Fresno
Discussing the recently announced Diocese of Fresno compensation program for clergy sexual abuse survivors;
Sexual abuse survivor Tom Emens speaks publicly about his abuse as a minor by a priest in Anaheim, California, and his efforts to make California Dioceses accountable and transparent;
Demanding full disclosure by the Diocese of Fresno and the religious orders regarding all clergy accused of sexual abuse who worked in the Diocese, including their current whereabouts, photographs and histories.
A new report identified 43 clerics publicly accused of child sexual abuse who worked in the Diocese of Fresno, along with assignment histories and other publicly available details. Speakers said the report was necessary because the diocese has not fully disclosed the names, histories, or whereabouts of accused clergy, including some who are still believed to be living. They argued that the church has protected secrecy over transparency and that the public still does not know the full scope of the risk.
Survivor Tom Emens also spoke about his own abuse and his efforts to push for greater accountability from Catholic bishops across California. The press conference criticized Fresno’s compensation program as a limited process that offers money without full disclosure, and it urged survivors to understand they may soon have broader legal options under proposed California legislation. The overall message was that survivors deserve truth and communities deserve full transparency if children are going to be safer.