Of the 51 priests accused, 37 have died and none of the remaining 14 are active in ministry within the Diocese, either retired or no longer involved.
Statewide, eleven cases of abuse by priests have been charged criminally, none from the Diocese of Grand Rapids.
Attorney General Dana Nessel explained that cases could not be charged due to the statute of limitations, victims declining litigation, unproven claims or accused priests that had died.
Nessel emphasized the report was released to publicly share the department’s findings and acknowledge the stories of abuse from victims.
“Criminal prosecutions are just one accountability metric. By ensuring each victim is heard, regardless of how long ago their assault may have happened, is important in acknowledging their pain and fostering a culture that prioritizes these victims over their silence.”
Bishop David Walkowiak spoke for the Diocese. He emphasized 25 years of investigative cooperation, the implementation of policies and training to prevent sexual abuse, and an ongoing commitment to support survivors in their healing.
“First and foremost, I offer my deepest and most sincere apologies to the victim survivors of clerical abuse I’m sorry a church leader in whom you placed your trust misused his power and abused you.”
The Diocese of Grand Rapids covers 79 parishes and 31 schools in 11 counties in West Michigan.
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