Two respond after archbishop releases list of ‘credibly accused’ child sex abusers
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Two respond after archbishop releases list of ‘credibly accused’ child sex abusers
NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Some former clergy members responded Friday (Nov. 2) after finding out that they were on a list, released by the Archdiocese of New Orleans, of those credibly accused of sex abuse.
Of the 57 clergy members identified on the archbishop’s list, 14 are still living. John Sax is one of them.
“The list is out there, I have nothing to say about it. My name’s on it, I have nothing to say,” Sax said.
Reporter: “Do you apologize to anyone?”
Sax: “I’ve already done that 17 years ago. I apologized then, I apologize now. I’m sorry. I regret what I did. The name is correct that’s on the list. I’m sorry, that’s all I can say. I’m sorry, I regret it.”
Reporter: “Do you hope for anything in the future?”
Sax: “Forgiveness. That’s all.”
According to the Times-Picayune, Sax admitted to sexually abusing an altar boy at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in the 1980s after a lawsuit was filed in 2001. He assumed various ministry assignments since he was first ordained in 1973 including in New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner and Reserve. In 2004, he was removed from ministry.
Another name on the list was that of defrocked Deacon James Lockwood. FOX 8 reached him by phone.
“This has been so long ago I can't remember the details,” said Lockwood.
Lockwood was arrested in 1978 for crimes against nature and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. His alleged victims were 11 and 12 years old, and he was removed from ministry in 1978. Lockwood said he has already had his time in court.
“I know one of the things, the problem, is some of the bishops covering up this, but I guarantee that wasn’t the case with me. I went through the court. Believe me, it was all worked out. I haven’t had any problems, and I haven’t had reason to look at this, like, it’s been actually, I think it’s been over 30 years,” said Lockwood.
As for parishioners, many were hesitant to comment on the archbishop’s decision to release the list. But as one man was on his way to Mass, he said he hopes it will have a positive effect.
“I think it’s a good thing," the parishioner said. "Knowledge is power, so maybe it will lead to some healing.”
FOX 8 is still in the process of reaching out to all of the clergy members listed. We’ll bring you more information when we have it.
Abuse victims or witnesses can report abuse here.
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