Mark Francis Ford, a former Catholic priest, has been charged with raping a disabled child during his years of ministry in New Orleans.

The charges include first-degree rape, sexual battery, second-degree kidnapping, and indecent behavior with a juvenile — and if convicted, Ford faces a mandatory life sentence.

Ford ministered for years across multiple dioceses — including New Orleans, Dallas, and Gallup (New Mexico) — and was a member of the Vincentians, a religious order that has since laicized him.

Yet despite the gravity of the charges and a long, documented history of suspicious gaps in his clerical record, none of these dioceses or institutions have added him to their public lists of credibly accused clergy.

This is unacceptable.

We, the undersigned, are calling on:

The Archdiocese of New Orleans
The Diocese of Dallas
The Diocese of Gallup
The Vincentian Order (Congregation of the Mission)

to immediately:

• Add Mark Francis Ford to their public lists of credibly accused clergy
• Disclose his full assignment history and known movements
• Cooperate fully with law enforcement and survivor advocates
• Publicly explain why he was not listed earlier, despite red flags and treatment records
   

Mark Francis Ford has already been arrested and extradited to New Orleans, where prosecutors will pursue the case. But public safety and survivor outreach cannot wait for a verdict.

Adding Ford to clergy abuse lists is not a conviction. It is a protective measure — a standard practice used by hundreds of dioceses to notify the public when credible allegations arise. It helps other potential survivors come forward, prevents further harm, and signals that transparency matters.

By keeping his name off these lists, the Church sends the wrong message to survivors, parishioners, and the broader public.

Sign this petition to demand that Catholic dioceses and religious orders add Mark Francis Ford to their clergy abuse lists now — because the truth should never be buried, and protecting children must come first.