Amid reports of sexual abuse by Catholic priests across the state of Pennsylvania, the Springfield-Cape Girardeau diocese in Missouri launched a review on all of their personnel files last weekend.
According to a press release from the diocese on Friday, the review was ordered by Bishop Edward Rice on August 15 to verify that any past sexual abuse incidents were reported in compliance with diocesan policy, the Catholic Church’s Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, and state law.
The diocese has additionally announced their willingness to work with the office of Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley on the review.
An open letter by Bishop Rice stated their awareness of 9 past priests with allegations of abuse against minors, all of whom have been reported, and are not in active ministry.