February 1, 2019
Dear faithful community members,
Yesterday, the Bishop of Dallas, Edward J. Burns, in conjunction with all Texas
bishops of the state’s 15 dioceses, released the names of priests with credible
accusations of sexual abuse of minors dating from 1950 to the present. The
list included the assignment histories of these same priests. The histories of
assigned places are not indications of places where credible accusations of
abuse occurred, but rather are their complete histories of assignments.
In particular, it pains me deeply to learn as you did yesterday, that the list of
names included Michael Barone, who spent time in 1995 assigned to the
Catholic Campus Ministry as Chaplain. He was never an employee of Southern
Methodist University (SMU). After speaking with those who have knowledge
of his assignment at the Catholic Center, I learned that Michael Barone spent
only few months with the Ministry in 1995 and the credible accusation against
him did not occur within those few months.
Another name on the list in association with the Catholic Campus Ministry at
SMU is Richard Johnson. Richard Johnson, identified as deceased in 2016, was
not assigned to the Catholic Campus Ministry at SMU. Rather, he filled in for
Masses periodically during 1969. The credible accusations against Richard
Johnson did not occur during his association with the Catholic Campus
Ministry at SMU.
It saddens me to see and hear these stories of sexual abuse of minors yet
again. My heart and prayers are with the victims and their loved ones. But, we
cannot simply be sad. That is not enough! We must resolve to defend the
innocence of the young and to protect them against insidious priests. Bishop
Burns has pledged to us his tireless effort to protecting the youth and
vulnerable among us. He is committed to doing the right thing consistently
and transparently.
As is the protocol for the Diocese of Dallas, if you know of any abuse of a
minor by a member of the clergy, employees, or volunteers connected with
the Catholic Church, please report it first to local law enforcement and then to
the Victims Assistance Coordinator for the Diocese, Barbara Landregan, at
214-379-2812.
The Diocese of Dallas is committed to investigating any incident of sexual
misconduct, cooperating fully with law enforcement and acting in an open and
transparent manner to address these issues.
Blessings,
Reverend Arthur Unachukwu