According to Roman Catholic Bishops in the United States there were 1,092 allegations of sexual abuse by priests during the past year. 756 different priests and deacons were named in the allegations.

The majority of the incidents took place many years ago and most of the priests involved are either defrocked or deceased.

According to Kathleen McChesney, the Executive Director of the Catholic Bishops' Office of Child and Youth Protection, half of the priests accused in the past year had been accused of abusing children before.

The American Catholic Church spent almost $20 million on child protection in 2004 and the programs continue to expand. According to an audit done by the Church, 95 percent of Archdiocese in the country are complying with child protection directives.

Unfortunately, the statistics just released indicate that the need for such programs is great. A third audit is scheduled to be conducted by the church later this year.