EDITORIAL: Delbarton lacks transparency on sex abuse claims

(Daily Record) Slowly but surely, the sexual abuse claims that have plagued the Delbarton School in Morris Township are dripping out for public consumption. While it is better late than never, we fear there is still much the school, which is run by St. Mary’s Abbey, is still not saying — or allowing to be said.

Some 13 monks from St. Mary’s Abbey have been accused of sexually abusing 30 people over the past three decades, according to a letter to Delbarton alumni and other members of the school community sent out last week. The letter said those who have come forward include former Delbarton students and the twin sons of a former Delbarton employee.

The letter, signed by Abbot Richard Cronin, the head of St. Mary’s Abbey of the Benedictine Order, and Father Michael Tidd, headmaster of the Delbarton School, said the school takes the accusations “very seriously” and that “we profoundly regret and apologize to anyone who has suffered sexual abuse or harassment because of a St. Mary’s Abbey monk or a Delbarton employee.” The letter went on to say that the school wished “to address these issues with you directly and forthrightly.”

Read the entire article… Here

Editorial
Daily Record
July 27, 2018