In the past several months, inquiries into the careers of hundreds of U.S. priests have resulted in shaken public faith in the Catholic church officials nationwide. The accusations peaked on Wednesday, April 10 when Bishop Thomas Daily of Brooklyn agreed to release the names of 35 men, some of whom are accused of child molestation since 1982.”I am doing so as it represents the best way to cooperate with the spirit of the law,” Daily said. “As in the past, we will cooperate with them in any investigations they may wish to pursue. Our primary concern is for the welfare and safety of children.”

Investigation into the conduct of Catholic priests began with the arrest of Father John Geoghan. Senior Roman Catholic Prelate Bernard Law admitted that he knew of sexual misconduct allegations against Geoghan. However, he allowed him to remain active in the Church. Over 130 people have accused Geoghan of molestation; he was incarcerated in January.

Second to Law, the most powerful official involved in the issue is Cardinal Edward M. Egan, of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York and the Bridgeport Diocese. While not accused of molestation, Egan is accused of doing nothing to stop one of his priests, Joseph Michael DeShan, from having a sexual relationship with a 15 year-old girl. The girl eventually became pregnant by the priest.

Egan has not denied knowledge of the affair, but claims to have been unaware of the girl’s underage status. According to a statement issued by the archdiocese and the diocese, “DeShan never informed then-Bishop Egan that he had had sexual relations with a minor. Nor did the woman or her family so inform Cardinal Egan or the diocese.”

The accusations made in New York and Boston have sparked investigations nationwide. Other priests coming under fire include Michael Wempe of Los Angeles, David Weber of Cleveland, and David Clohessy of Jefferson City, Missouri.

Members of the Catholic Church have been understandably disturbed by the events. “This is a betrayal of trust, with people trying to understand how men of God who were helping them with their faith could be involved in this,” said Susan Secker, a moral theologian in Seattle. “I think it’s fundamentally shattering.”

Despite the accusations, many Roman Catholics still have faith in their clergy. “Everybody makes mistakes, everyone,” said Doris Brown, a Catholic citizen of Boston. “The Church belongs to Jesus. That’s what we should focus on.