Update June 30, 2025: Changes to the Practice of Publication of the Names of those Accused of Sexual Abuse or Misconduct in the North American Territory
The Legionaries of Christ take our firm commitment and grave obligation to responding to allegations of abuse and misconduct with the utmost seriousness. We are dedicated to responding to the needs of those who come forward, following the law of the Church, acting in accordance with our Congregation’s policies (see Protect & Heal) and respecting the rights and dignity of all those involved. Because of this, we are making some changes to the publication of names on our list of sexual abuse offenders, and to the publication of cases of misconduct on our website, which until now, have aligned with common practice in the United States for much of the last two decades.
The Vatican’s Dicastery for Legislative Texts recently clarified its guidance regarding the publication of the names of those accused of misconduct and abuse in a letter released to the public in February 2025 . Its instructions include only publicizing the names of those who have been convicted—civilly or canonically, instead of those who have been ‘credibly accused’ in light of each person’s right to the presumption of innocence, to a good name, and to self-defense (see Code of Canon Law, 220). This guidance has been affirmed in recent cases by other departments of the Holy See.
Because of this, the list of “Members of the Congregation of the Legionaries of Christ who were active in Ministry with Substantiated Sexual Abuse Allegations in the United States” will be amended to become a list of “Members of the Congregation Convicted of Sexual Abuse of Minors or Vulnerable Adults.” Names of those currently on this list, or in other publications on our website who do not meet this criteria and those who are deceased will be removed.
Though it will not be our common practice to publish cases of misconduct that do not rise to the level of crimes, we may communicate publicly through situationally appropriate channels during an investigation, while protecting the privacy of the parties involved and the accused’s right to the presumption of innocence until and unless convicted criminally. We may do this when we see it as essential to safeguard the common good, to protect minors and vulnerable adults, if the matter has become public knowledge (cf. Dicastery for Legislative Texts, User Guide for Book VI of the Code of Canon Law, May 31, 2023), or when required by the needs of the investigation or of the community. If there are changes in the case because of legal or canonical investigations, or because of other information that comes to light, we may modify or revise those public statements. Public statements about cases of misconduct will be removed at the request of victims or their families, at the death of the person accused, or after a sufficient period of time has passed for the public statement to serve its purpose.
We remain committed to truth, justice, and healing, and in accordance with Church and Congregation guidelines. We will remain vigilant with respect to our public disclosures, which includes the possibility that our policies may evolve in the future.
The inclusion of a name on any list or press release does not imply that the person named is guilty of a crime or liable for any civil claim unless specifically stated otherwise, respecting his right to the presumption of innocence unless and until convicted.
The Legionaries of Christ are unwavering in our continued openness to listen to and accompany any survivor of abuse perpetrated by a member of the Legion. We encourage anyone who has been harmed by a member of the Legionaries of Christ to contact the appropriate authorities, regardless of when the alleged harm occurred, and to contact the Legionaries of Christ’s Program Coordinator for Pastoral Care, Abby Foley at the contact information below, or through 0abuse.org.
Members of the Congregation Convicted of Sexual Abuse of Minors or Vulnerable Adults:
Father John Gannon, LC, was convicted of sexual assault and sexual exploitation charges by the Ontario Court of Justice on September 22, 2025, related to incidents in 2007 and 2008 in Cornwall, Ontario. Father Gannon has been out of public ministry since he was charged in March 2024. He plans to pursue an appeal, and he maintains his innocence. The Congregation will continue to cooperate with the legal process and initiate appropriate canonical processes in accordance with Church norms.
Jeremiah Michael Spillane (Dispensed of religious vows in 1998): had recently decided to leave the Congregation and was working in the Diocese of Venice, Florida, when, in 1997, he was arrested charged and convicted for soliciting an undercover police officer posing as a teenager through an online chat forum. He was dispensed of religious vows in 1998. The Legionaries of Christ have had no contact with Spillane in more than two decades.
______________________________________________
We encourage anyone who has been abused by a member of the Legionaries of Christ to contact the appropriate authorities, regardless of when the alleged abuse occurred, and to contact the Legionaries of Christ’s Program Coordinator for Pastoral Care, Abby Foley. If anyone has a question about safe environment policies or a complaint regarding misconduct or sexual abuse of a minor or vulnerable adult by a Legionary, contact Nikki Hittle, MSW, at the contact information below. The Congregation has also established a channel for listening to concerns and responding to accusations at 0abuse.org.
Abby Foley, Program Coordinator for Pastoral Care
Email: afoley@arcol.org
Phone: (678) 467-9348
Address: 10 Mansell Court E. Suite 100, Roswell, GA 30076
TO VIEW LISTS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES CLICK HERE.
*Last updated: October 2, 2025
