Boston: Archdiocese releases list of accused priests

Boston’s Cardinal Sean O’Malley has released a long-awaited list of priests accused of child sex abuse since 1950.

But he has decided to leave some priests off the list of 159 names, including dead priests who haven’t been publicly accused.

O’Malley is citing concerns about due process and the damage to the reputations of priests who can’t defend themselves against decades-old charges.

The list of names was posted on the archdiocese’s website Thursday.

All the names have been publicly released before, though not necessarily by the archdiocese. O’Malley says publishing the list is another step toward taking responsibility for the clergy sex abuse.

A total of 250 Boston-area priests and deacons have been accused of child sex abuse since 1950. O’Malley decided not to include 91 names.