MANCHESTER, N.H. ? In a growing scandal for the Roman Catholic Church, the Diocese of Manchester on Friday named 14 priests accused of sexual misconduct with children over a quarter-century.

The Diocese of Manchester, which covers New Hampshire, gave the names to prosecutors and the public after reviewing its internal records for reports of abuse.

Bishop John B. McCormack, right, of the Diocese of Manchester announces the release of the names of 14 New Hampshire priests accused of sexual misconduct with minors between 1963 and 1987. Rev. Edward Arsenault, left, and Auxiliary Bishop Francis J. Christian listen Friday during a news conference in Manchester, N.H.

“What I report is sad in one way because it is about sin, sickness and crime,” Manchester Bishop John B. McCormack said Friday. “And yet in another way it is hopeful news in that our church and community will know that no priest is now serving in ministry who has to our knowledge engaged in sexual misconduct with a minor.”

The announcement came as the Archdiocese of Boston has identified 80 priests in Massachusetts in recent weeks as having abused children during the past 40 years.

Dozens of lawsuits have been filed there against the church and some priests, including McCormack, a top church official in Boston before he took the Manchester post in 1998.

Some of the Massachusetts lawsuits accuse Cardinal Bernard Law and other leaders there of knowing about allegations of sexual assaults but failing to respond.

McCormack acknowledged Friday that some of the 14 New Hampshire priests were returned to duty after doctors deemed them fit, and he criticized the practice.

The alleged misconduct in New Hampshire occurred between 1963 and 1987.

Of the 14 priests, one the Rev. John R. Poirier of Holy Family Parish in Gorham was actively working. He was barred from working as a priest in the community as of Friday, officials said.

Seven other priests, all retired or previously suspended, had received the same discipline in the past. The remaining six, who were retired or ill, were barred from celebrating Mass.

Atty. Gen. Philip McLaughlin said Friday the priests will be thoroughly investigated but prosecution will be up to individual county attorneys where the alleged assaults occurred.

McLaughlin said more New Hampshire priests may face abuse allegations in coming days as people come forward with accusations.

Under New Hampshire law, child sexual assault charges can be brought until the alleged victim’s 40th birthday.

“I would expect that the attorney general, now having the information, will do his duty,” said the Rev. Edward Arsenault, diocesan chancellor.

Arsenault said there have been monetary settlements with some of the victims in New Hampshire. He declined to give details.

He said a review of New Hampshire records began last week.

“I met with all of the priests that are on the list yesterday,” Arsenault said. “Their reaction was a deep sense of sadness.”