Wednesday night on Ul’s campus, the faithful gathered for an open forum about clergy and abuse.
More than 100 people filled Our Lady of Wisdom for that forum. The priests holding the forum would not allow a camera inside that forum and declined comment.
The priest shared their personal experiences from seminary and their time in the ministry. The also said they believe abuse in the church has been going on for a long time now. Some people expressed concern that the Diocese of Lafayette has not openly discussed its own problems dating back to the 1980’s. Others expressed optimism, saying that through prayer the church will prevail.
For some, the event was an emotional one, with people crying during the forum.
One of the priests told the congregation that he knows nothing about the list of 15 priests with credible accusations against them. He told the parishioners to call the bishop with their concerns if they have any.
