SAN ANTONIO – UPDATE: During a press conference Tuesday afternoon, San Antonio Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller said, "I have been embarrassed and angry about the clergy sexual abuse that has come to light."
He said investigations will be made into reports dating back to 1940, 10 years prior than originally reported.
The archbishop has formed the Lay Commission on Clergy Sexual Abuse of Minors in the Archdiocese of San Antonio.
The commission will compile a list of alleged sexual assault case and also review the current procedures for addressing sexual abuse allegations.
"Led by the holy sprit and the word of God, it is a church that will deal justly with its painful past as it looks to a hope filled future," Garcia-Siller said.
The archbishop said he's already met with several survivors of clergy abuse and has asked for prayers for the victims.
"Honesty and transparency will be painful and, at times, deeply troubling," he said. "We have to address this horrible sin of sexual abuse of minors."
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ORIGINAL STORY: All 15 Catholic dioceses in Texas will release the names of clergy members who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of minors.
The dioceses announcement will include allegations dating back to 1950, according to a press release.
“It will take some time for files to be reviewed, and there may be people who come forward with new information following this announcement. My brother bishops in Texas and I agree that transparency in this painful matter of sexual abuse can assist with healing for survivors and transformation for our Church,” explained Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, archbishop of San Antonio.
The bishops’ decision to release the names is part of an ongoing effort by the church to protect children from sexual abuse.
“This is an action in response to the faithful’s call for greater accountability and transparency,” said Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, archbishop of Galveston-Houston. "Every bishop in our state has made a statement expressing his concern for all who have been hurt and I want to express my personal sorrow at such fundamental violations of trust that have happened. We are completely committed to eradicating the evil of sexual abuse in the church and promoting healing among the faithful and those injured by this crime.”
There are 8.5 million Catholics and 1,320 Catholic parishes in Texas, according to the press release.
The list will be made public on Jan. 31 and will be updated as new information becomes available.
Each Texas diocese has policies in place to prevent the sexual abuse of minors and to respond to complaints in these matters.
If you want to report a suspicion of child abuse in the Catholic church in Texas, click here.