Catholic Priest from Diocese of Gaylord Accused of Abuse

A Catholic priest from the Diocese of Gaylord has stepped aside after he was accused of “sexual misconduct” with an adult woman. We hope that this victim is getting the support they need and we honor her courage in coming forward with her story.

According to reports, Fr. Eyob Merin of St. Mary Parish in Kingsley, MI, was accused of abuse publicly during a parish meeting. We truly believe that more and more victims are standing up and speaking out thanks to the dedicated work of secular officials like Michigan’s attorney general Dana Nessel. When secrets are exposed and abusers and enablers held accountable, it leads to a climate where survivors are encouraged to come forward instead of being shamed into silence. We hope that attorneys general in every other state that has yet to start an investigation of their own will begin one today and work towards creating this victim-centered climate in their own states.

Now that this allegation has been made, we believe that Catholic officials in Gaylord should visit every one of Fr. Merin’s work assignments, ensuring that parishioners at each location are made aware of the allegation and that others who may have information are encouraged to come forward. Bishop Walter Hurley should personally visit each church where Fr. Merin worked and urge victims to come forward.

The abuse of adults is an aspect of the clergy sexual abuse scandal that has long been hidden but is getting more attention in recent years. We hope that this story will inspire others who were hurt to come forward and find the help and healing they need.

CONTACT: Zach Hiner, SNAP Executive Director ([email protected], 517-974-9009)

(SNAP, the Survivors Network, has been providing support for victims of sexual abuse in institutional settings for 30 years. We have more than 25,000 survivors and supporters in our network. Our website is SNAPnetwork.org)


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