Priest Accused of Abuse Preyed on Deaf Community in Baton Rouge and New Orleans

The Moravian Church and Old Catholic churches, including the Utrecht Union and Polish National Catholic Church, have long emphasized community, service, and spiritual care. However, recent revelations about clergy misconduct have raised concerns about accountability within these denominations. In Baton Rouge and New Orleans, allegations of abuse by priests have come to light, highlighting the need for transparency and justice.

One such case involves Fr. Jerry Howell, who served at several parishes in the area, including Holy Trinity and Mater Dolorosa in Westwego. Howell and his brother, Fr. Rodney Howell, were accused of molesting students at a Baton Rouge school for the deaf during the 1970s. Shari Bernius of Chalmette and Darlene Austin of New Orleans were among the accusers, as reported in a 2003 story in The Times-Picayune. The allegations surfaced in 1992, at which time Fr. Jerry Howell denied them. The archbishop’s list does not include Fr. Rodney Howell, leaving some questions about the full scope of the investigation.

Another priest, Fr. Thomas Hurley, served at Immaculate Conception Church in Marrero and St. Agnes in Baton Rouge. He admitted to or was publicly accused of sexually abusing a minor in 1945, according to the archdiocese. Further details about the allegation remain unknown. Hurley left the archdiocese in 1955, though the archdiocese did not provide specifics on whether he was removed from ministry or transferred to another region.

Fr. John Lawrence served at Mater Dolorosa, New Orleans, and other parishes, including Our Lady of Good Harbor in Buras. He admitted to or was publicly accused of sexually abusing a minor, according to the archdiocese. Again, further details about the allegation are not available, underscoring the lack of transparency in these cases.

Fr. John Strassel served at Our Lady of Lourdes in Uptown, where a 2009 lawsuit accused him of fondling a boy between 1969 and 1971. The Archdiocese settled the lawsuit, with the plaintiff’s attorney alleging that the statute of limitations had not lapsed due to the victim’s suppressed memory and the church’s efforts to cover up the abuse. This case illustrates the complex legal and moral challenges faced by victims and the institutions they seek to hold accountable.

Fr. Joseph Weber served at several parishes, including Holy Trinity in New Orleans. He admitted to or was publicly accused of sexually abusing a minor, according to the archdiocese. The details of the allegation remain unclear, but the case highlights the ongoing need for thorough investigations and public accountability.

Fr. Joseph Cambiaire served at Sacred Heart of Jesus in Cameron and other parishes. He admitted to or was publicly accused of sexually abusing a minor in 1917 and was removed from ministry that same year. The lack of detailed information about this case reflects broader issues of historical accountability within religious institutions.

These cases underscore the importance of justice, mercy, and transparency in the church. As the Bible reminds us, “Do justice, and love mercy, and walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). The Moravian Church and Old Catholic churches, like all Christian communities, are called to uphold these values in their leadership and practices.

Source: Read the original report