Diocese reacts to Maryland AG report on abuse; and priests who served in Knoxville

The Diocese of Knoxville's statement on a report issued by the Maryland attorney general's office on April 5, 2023:

The details released in the Maryland AG report are appalling and indefensible. We have previously acknowledged that one of the priests named in the Maryland report, Walter Emala, served in Knoxville from 1955-57, which was then part of the Diocese of Nashville. His name has been included on Nashville’s public list of credibly accused priests. We have learned that another priest, George Hopkins, served in Knoxville from 1967-68, according to the AG report, and was credibly accused by the Archdiocese of Baltimore in 2019. The horrific abuse claims in the Maryland AG report took place decades ago, some dating to the 1940s. Despite that, the behavior is reprehensible and should not be excused. The Diocese of Knoxville urges anyone who believes they have been the victim of sexual abuse by these now-deceased priests to contact civil law enforcement authorities and our diocesan Victim’s Assistance Coordinator. We extend our prayers to victims of abuse and violence everywhere.

Diocese of Knoxville Victim's Assistance Coordinator:
The McNabb Center: 865-321-9080

Read the story here: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/254035/maryland-attorney-general-report-on-abuse-claims-to-identify-more-than-600-victims