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Catholic church sex abuse The Diocese of Lafayette Louisiana
Lafayette, Louisiana is in the heart of Cajun country and, with its diverse food and entertainment, bills itself as “the happiest city in America.” But Lafayette is far from exceptional in one regard. Like other cities around the country, it has been rocked by revelations of child sex abuse committed by Catholic priests throughout past decades.
In August 2018 a diocesan spokeswoman revealed that accusations had been made against the late Father Morvant, formerly of Lafayette. She indicated that the incidents had occurred in the late 70s and early 80s. Father Morvant was a priest until 2003, the year of his death. The spokeswoman emphasized that although the accusations were being taken seriously, the late Morvant should be granted the presumption of innocence, like any accused person.
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In September 2018, 10 alleged victims filed a lawsuit against the diocese and Saint Martin de la Tours Catholic church, all of them citing abuse by Morvant. They claim that Morvant used his position of power to prey on them while they were altar boys there, in some cases giving them alcohol to weaken their defenses.
Although these incidents happened around 40 years ago, a statement of one victim to a local reporter shed light on why this case is coming out only now. Former altar boy Doug Bienvenue told News 10 “This was God to us these priests, you know. If we would've told our parents that, you think they would've believed us in those days? Of course not.”
In past decades, sexual assault victims were often not believed, especially when the perpetrator was a respected member of the community. In today’s climate, with credible accusations against clergy having attained widespread publicity, the culture has shifted. Survivors like Bienvenue now have more hope of being taken seriously in both the community and the legal system.
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Bienvenue alleged that there are 45 other known victims of Morvant, most of whom are not named in the suit. He said his brother and cousin were abused by the same priest, and ultimately committee suicide.
But his goals go beyond exposing one predator, or getting a monetary settlement. He stated that he wants Bishop Deshotel of the diocese to release a list of credibly accused pedophile priest in the diocese. “Why don't he just own up, it wasn't his fault it happened. And why don't he just clear up all these allegations and just tell the truth, release the list, and it is what it is.”
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He also wants the attorney general’s office to conduct a grand jury investigation into abuse in Louisiana, similar to the one that occurred in 2018 in Pennsylvania. Such a move is being considered by other states, including Kentucky, where the AG’s office is pushing for such an investigation.
The situation in Lafayette is a microcosm for something that’s going on nationwide—it shows how survivors are stepping forward to demand justice and reform.
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