Black Survivors Overlooked in Catholic Clergy Sexual Abuse Crisis

In Baltimore, 70% of Parishes with Significant Black Populations Previously Had Priests Accused of Sexual Abuse

Black survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy in the US are often overlooked, with their cases underreported and their experiences largely invisible in the ongoing crisis.
Experts argue that the lack of attention to these cases adds to the trauma of an already vulnerable population.
Out of 27 parishes in the Baltimore archdiocese that have significant Black populations, at least 19 — 70% — previously had priests on staff accused of sexual abuse.
Survivors coming forward now will likely receive smaller settlements since the archdiocese recently declared bankruptcy, allowing it to protect its assets more and shift the litigation to bankruptcy court.
Charles Richardson, a Black survivor of clergy sexual abuse, recently decided to go public with his story, highlighting the ongoing struggle for recognition and justice for Black survivors.