The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles has had more allegations of sexual abuse of minors by clergy than any other U.S. diocese to date, according to a report released by the diocese.

The report, from Cardinal Roger Mahony, says the Los Angeles Archdiocese received allegations from 656 people who said they had been sexually abused by 244 priests, deacons, religious brothers, seminarians and one bogus priest. The report will be complied into a nationwide study commissioned by America’s bishops.

More than 5,000 priests have served in the Archdiocese between 1930 and 2003, according to the report.

“The archdiocese has committed significant resources to help those who were harmed to recover from their horrible experiences,” the report said. “We hope our efforts will help, but we realize that only the grace of God can provide the complete healing the victims need.”

The Report To the People of God: Clergy Sexual Abuse in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, 1930-2003 has been made available on Archdiocese’s website at: http://cardinal.la-archdiocese.org/pdf/2004/White%20Paper-2-17-2004.pdf.

(via The Associated Press)