DC Priest Form

Were You Abused by Father Wayland Yoder Brown, Jr. ?

Yes

In What State Did the Abuse Happen?

In What Year Did the Abuse Begin?

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Father Wayland Yoder Brown, Jr.

served:1977-1988
ordained:1977
removed:1988
died:2019

Summary of Father Wayland Yoder Brown, Jr.

Wayland Yoder Brown, Jr. was a Catholic priest whose decades-long abuse of minors left a trail of trauma across multiple states. Ordained in the Diocese of Savannah in 1977, Brown’s clerical career was marked by repeated assignments, removals, and—ultimately—criminal convictions for sexual abuse. His history underscores the importance of transparency, accountability, and survivor support within the Catholic Church.

Timeline of Pedophile Priest Wayland Yoder Brown, Jr.

1974–1977: Seminarian, Theological College, Catholic University of America, Washington, DC
Brown studied for the priesthood, sponsored by the Diocese of Savannah.

Abuse Occurred – During this period, Brown committed acts of sexual abuse against minors while in the Archdiocese of Washington (ADW).

1977: Ordained as Priest, Diocese of Savannah, Georgia.

1977–1988: Assignments in the Diocese of Savannah

1988: Removed from Ministry. The Diocese of Savannah removed Brown from active ministry following allegations of sexual abuse.

2002: Abuse Reported to Archdiocese of Washington
First official report to the ADW regarding abuse committed as a seminarian in the 1970s.

Criminal Conviction – Brown was criminally charged and convicted for abuse that occurred while he was a seminarian in Washington, DC.

2004: Laicized (Removed from Clerical State)
The Vatican formally removed Brown from the priesthood.

2019: Death, Brown died in prison.

Locations and Parishes Father Wayland Yoder Brown, Jr. was Appointed

Diocese of Savannah (Georgia):

Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Savannah, GA
James Catholic Church, Savannah, GA
Anne Catholic Church, Columbus, GA
Mary on the Hill, Augusta, GA
Joseph Catholic Church, Waycross, GA
Michael Catholic Church, Tybee Island, GA
Teresa of Avila Catholic Church, Grovetown, GA
Augustine Catholic Church, Thomasville, GA

Archdiocese of Washington (Maryland/DC):

While Brown’s official assignments in Maryland are less documented, his abuse as a seminarian occurred in the Archdiocese of Washington, implicating church facilities and possibly parishes where he had pastoral contact with youth.

News and Criminal Claims About Father Wayland Yoder Brown, Jr.

Bishop-Accountability

https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/brown-wayland-yoder-1977/

Savannah Morning News – August 28, 2017 https://www.savannahnow.com/story/news/crime/2017/08/28/ex-savannah-catholic-priest-indicted-sexual-battery-minors/13865689007/

Snap Network

https://www.snapnetwork.org/ga_former_savannah_priest_arrested

WTOC 11 News – September 24, 2020

https://www.wtoc.com/2020/09/24/new-lawsuit-claims-diocese-savannah-covered-up-allegations-child-molestation/

Summary of Abuse in Maryland (Archdiocese of Washington)

Nature of Abuse:
Brown sexually abused multiple minors while serving as a seminarian in the Archdiocese of Washington (1974–1977). Victims reported that Brown gained their trust through church activities, then exploited his position to commit abuse both on and off church property.

Reporting and Prosecution:
The abuse was first officially reported to the ADW in 2002. Brown was later convicted in Maryland for offenses committed during his time as a seminarian. He received a 20-year prison sentence for these crimes in 2018.

Impact:
Survivors of Brown’s abuse have described lifelong trauma and a sense of betrayal by church authorities who failed to act on early warnings. The case has become emblematic of the broader crisis of clerical sexual abuse and institutional cover-up in the Catholic Church.

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Clergy Abuse Lawyers – Catholic Church Abuse Lawsuits – Maryland Child Abuse Law Firm