On Saturday, August 18, the Dallas Diocese Bishop Edward Burns told church goers at St. Cecilia Catholic Church about the allegations of sexual abuse by Reverend Edmundo Paredes, their former pastor. According to the Diocese, the allegations came from three adults, who said the criminal sexual acts happened when they were each in their mid teens, over a decade ago.
Authorities also said on Saturday that they have not yet been able to locate Paredes. Paredes is from the Philippines and reportedly takes trips there every year; However Annette Gonzales Taylor with the Diocese added that the Philippine authorities have not been able to locate Paredes either.
Upon learning of the allegations in February, Diocese officials immediately filed a report with law enforcement agencies to launch a criminal investigation. The Diocese said the allegations were found to be credible. At the time Paredes has been suspended and is no longer is allowed to function or represent himself as a priest.
The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, or SNAP, issued a statement Sunday criticizing the Dallas Diocese, questioning why Burns didn’t notify parishioners of the abuse allegations until Saturday.
The Diocese was also informed that theft had occurred at the parish while Paredes was pastor, along with the abuse allegations. The Diocese has said that Paredes has admitted to financial misconduct with certain parish funds. The missing funds were an estimated $60,000-$80,000 in cash.
The funds from St. Cecilia Catholic School and the funds donated for the rebuilding of the church following a 2007 fire had not been affected.
The Diocese of Dallas is also asking anyone who has suffered abuse by church personnel to contact the police and contact Victims Assistance Coordinator Mary Edlund via email at medlund@cathdal.org or by phone at (214)379-2819.
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