New Orleans Priest's Abuse Legacy Haunts Catholic Church
· design
The Unsettling Legacy of Gerard Joseph “Jerry” Howell
Gerard Joseph “Jerry” Howell’s passing at 87 has brought a mix of emotions, but for many of his victims, it’s a moment of long-overdue closure. For decades, the Catholic priest had been accused of serial child molestation within the deaf community in New Orleans, yet he continued to evade meaningful consequences.
The archdiocese’s handling of Howell’s case raises disturbing questions about accountability and prioritizing perpetrators over victims. Despite being reported to law enforcement as early as 1980 and publicly exposed by WWL Louisiana in 1992, Howell was allowed to remain an active priest for nearly four decades. This is not negligence; it’s a deliberate choice to protect the perpetrator at all costs.
The archdiocese continued to support Howell for 40 years after becoming aware of his abuse, providing him with retirement benefits until at least 2020, even after bankruptcy court halted them in 2019. This speaks volumes about their values and is a systemic failure that perpetuates the cycle of abuse.
Kathleen Austin, one survivor, expressed relief upon learning of Howell’s death: “He will no longer be able to harm another innocent child.” However, this should not be seen as a victory for justice but rather highlights the need for meaningful action from institutions like the archdiocese to prevent further harm.
Howell’s case is part of a larger pattern of abuse within the Catholic Church. The recent $305 million settlement agreed upon by the New Orleans archdiocese is a testament to this reality, with 740 clergy molestation claimants divvying up the funds. This staggering financial cost underscores the severity of these abuses.
The archdiocese’s list of clergymen removed from ministry for abuse of a minor raises more questions than answers. Howell was named as the offender in nine claims, yet many other victims remain unaccounted for. The fact that 14 claimants have requested reconsideration of their allocated amounts and over 220 are willing to accept them without contest speaks to the complexity of this issue.
The New Orleans archdiocese is one of 44 US Catholic institutions to have filed for bankruptcy protection in response to the clergy abuse scandal, suggesting a systemic failure to address the root causes of these abuses rather than simply providing financial settlements.
As we reflect on Howell’s passing and legacy, it’s essential to ask what this means for the future of accountability within institutions like the Catholic Church. Can they genuinely commit to protecting victims and holding perpetrators accountable? Or will they continue to prioritize institutional interests over justice?
The answer lies in their actions, not just their words. The New Orleans archdiocese must take concrete steps to ensure that no one else suffers at the hands of abusers like Gerard Joseph “Jerry” Howell.
Reader Views
- TSThe Studio Desk · editorial
The New Orleans archdiocese's treatment of Gerard Joseph Howell raises more questions about accountability than his passing answers. What's striking is that while the Church continues to payout massive settlements, its leaders have yet to implement meaningful reforms or establish credible measures for preventing abuse recidivism. To truly honor the survivors, rather than just compensating them financially, the archdiocese needs to overhaul its culture and policies – starting with revamping how it handles allegations of abuse and prioritizing transparency over protection of perpetrators.
- TDTheo D. · type designer
The New Orleans archdiocese's handling of Gerard Joseph "Jerry" Howell's abuse is a symptom of a deeper systemic issue: the Catholic Church's tendency to prioritize the protection of its own reputation over the welfare of its victims. While the recent $305 million settlement is a step towards accountability, it's also a reminder that financial compensation can never fully compensate for the trauma inflicted upon survivors. To truly address this crisis, the Church must reform its internal policies and practices to prevent abuse from happening in the first place, rather than merely responding to it after the fact.
- NFNoa F. · graphic designer
The Catholic Church's pattern of abuse is rooted in more than just individual perpetrators - it's a systemic failure that prioritizes institution over people. While the recent settlement and list of removed clergy members are steps towards accountability, they're also Band-Aid solutions masking deeper issues. We need to examine how church policies and power structures enable these abuses, rather than just removing offending priests from ministry. Only then can we truly address the harm inflicted on survivors and prevent future cases.