Grand Rapids Diocese Faces Troubling Truths About Sexual Abuse

The Catholic Church has an unfortunate history of priests being found guilty of abuse and misconduct.

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A new 366-page report by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel shows that the Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids has had 51 priests accused of abuse dating back to 1950

Read More: 25 Things Michigan Is Known And Famous For

The report says that 37 of those priests have died, and none of the other 14 are actively practicing in the Diocese of Grand Rapids.

No new charges will be brought from this report because of the statute of limitations expiring, the priests had already passed away, or the victims did not wish to pursue criminal charges.

The Diocese of Grand Rapids Address New Report

Bishop David J. Walkowiak spoke with the media on Monday after the report was released.

He addressed the victims of sexual abuse by clergy members saying:

“I am sorry that a church leader in whom you have placed your trust misused his power and abused you, Priests are ordained to serve in the person of Christ himself, which makes the sexual abuse of minors incomprehensible and particularly harmful. These men have broken a sacred trust. They betrayed Christ and done violence to his beloved children.

In addition, Bishop Walkowiak and the Grand Rapids Diocese released a video that you can view here.

I wish more victims would come forward, but I understand why for years they remained silent.

Put yourself in that position and imagine how incredibly difficult it must be to be a victim of such abuse, and then have to face that monster in court while you get cross-examined by the defendant's attorney.

Having to relive and retell those moments must be horrible.

You can read the full report here.