AG report details abuse allegations against 52 priests, deacons in Diocese of Lansing
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said there remains open investigations against former Catholic priests accused of sexual abuse of minors. Al Goldis, Special To The Detroit News
The Detroit News
December 16, 2024
By Kara Berg
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel released the fourth of seven reports Monday related to a years-long investigation into clergy sexual abuse within Michigan's Catholic dioceses.
The report indicated that the investigation into the Diocese of Lansing, which began in September 2018, found that 48 priests, three religious brothers, one apparent former religious brother and four deacons may have engaged in sexual misconduct since 1950. Of the 56 total, 42 were ordained or incardinated by the Diocese of Lansing.
"By publishing these reports we are sharing their stories and validating their experiences," Nessel said during a press conference Monday afternoon. "We hope this report provides a voice to those who have suffered in silence for so long."
Diocese of Lansing Bishop Earl Boyea said he is deeply sorry that anyone was sexually abused or sexually assaulted by any clergy members.
"Having read this long and detailed report, my heart breaks for all those who have suffered due to the evil of clerical sexual abuse which is a great betrayal of Jesus Christ, His Holy Church, the priesthood, and, most gravely, those victims — and their families — who were harmed physically, emotionally, but above all spiritually when they were so young,” Boyea said in a statement. “To all those injured by such criminal and immoral actions I say clearly and without hesitation: these terrible things should never have happened to you."
Criminal charges were issued in 11 cases throughout the state, Nessel said, resulting in nine convictions. Two of those cases were related to priests in the Diocese of Lansing and one was resulted to an apparent former religious brother.
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