MARQUETTE, MI— The Michigan Attorney General’s Office has released a report on alleged abuse by priests in the Diocese of Marquette.
The list of allegations against children or adults since 1950 was derived from information gathered from a search warrant executed at the diocese in 2018. Forty-four priests are on the list.
In a press conference, Marquette Bishop John Doerfler apologized to victims.
“On behalf of the Church, I offer a sincere apology to anyone who has been abused by clergy in the Catholic Church. You are, and should have been, our priority. There is no excuse for what happened to you. It is especially grievous if your voice was not heard.”
He also said immediate action would be taken if such abuse happens again.
“I renew my pledge to do all that we can to prevent clergy sexual abuse and to respond quickly and definitively if it should occur. I also renew my pledge to remove from ministry any priest or deacon against whom there is a substantiated allegation of abuse.”
The report doesn’t make any determination whether the allegations are credible or substantiated. Doerfler stated no priest or deacon with a substantiated allegation of sexual abuse of a minor is in active ministry.
The AG’s office launched the 2018 investigation into clergy sexual abuse in all seven of the state’s Catholic dioceses. Officials wanted to determine if sexual abuse of minors and adults was being reported, and to investigate potential criminal charges against those who perpetrated the abuse or covered it up. Marquette’s is the first of seven separate reports.
In a press release, state officials said, “It is our intent to share what was learned during the investigation as to ensure that any past failure to report sexual abuse will never happen again.”
The report can be found here.
Bishop John Doerfler’s press conference can be found here.
