Lisa Madigan

CHICAGO (AP) – A Minnesota attorney who represents victims of clergy sex abuse is applauding Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan for uncovering cases of Catholic clergy accused of sexually abusing children.

Attorney Jeff Anderson said in a statement Wednesday that Madigan’s finding of allegedly unreported cases is “alarming.”

Anderson also called on Illinois bishops to release the names of accused clergy “so that survivors can heal and no other kids are harmed.”

Madigan reported Wednesday that her office has found accusations of abuse against 500 more clergy than Illinois’ six dioceses have reported. Catholic dioceses in Illinois are defending their handling of clergy abuse.

Anderson’s law firm is representing three men and one woman seeking to force Illinois bishops to disclose the names of all clergy accused of sexually abusing minors.