AXIOS (Josephine Walker) - 944 children abused by Catholic clergy, Mass. AG says — but no new charges
The Massachusetts attorney general released a report Wednesday documenting more than 270 Catholic clerics accused of sexually abusing 944 children across three dioceses — but the investigation will result in no new indictments. Why it matters: The dioceses created an illusion of safety while church leaders repeatedly exploited loopholes to protect the institution's reputation, systematically concealing staggering levels of abuse. What they're saying: "We deeply understand that behind every number is a child whose safety was violated, a family that was changed, and a survivor who has carried the trauma of that abuse for years, and in many cases, decades," Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell (D) wrote in the report . Catch up quick:…
What is the status of the Worcester Diocese regarding the publication of a list of accused clergy?
In Massachusetts, Worcester is the only diocese that has not yet published a list of accused clergy; a spokesperson for the Worcester Diocese did not address why the list has not been published but stated they welcome the Attorney General's report.
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How many dioceses across the United States have not yet published lists of credibly accused clergy?
12 dioceses across the United States have not published lists of credibly accused clergy, which represents less than 5% of all dioceses and orders.
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What methods did diocesan leaders use to cover up abuse allegations prior to 2002?
The report concluded that diocesan leaders actively covered up allegations by transferring accused clergy to new congregations without warning parishioners, and by sending accused priests to psychiatric treatment facilities before allowing some to return to ministry.
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Why will the Massachusetts Attorney General's investigation into the Catholic Church result in no new indictments?
The investigation will result in no new indictments because most of the abuse detailed in the report occurred before 2002, and the Attorney General stated that newly found misconduct fell outside applicable statutes of limitations. Additionally, many accused clergy are dead, and Massachusetts laws criminalizing reckless endangerment of children cannot be applied retroactively to crimes that occurred before they took effect.
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