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Michigan AG Releases Grand Rapids Diocese Abuse Report Naming 51 Priests

Legal barriers plus deceased suspects precluded charges, with the diocese cooperating in the review.

Overview

  • Allegations date to Jan. 1, 1950, with 38 of the named priests ordained or incardinated in Grand Rapids.
  • Thirty-seven of the accused are known or presumed dead, and none of the 14 living are in active ministry in the diocese.
  • The report draws on 2018 search-warrant seizures, a public tip line, victim interviews, police investigations, and diocesan records.
  • The statewide clergy-abuse probe has produced 11 charged cases and nine convictions involving 38 survivors, though none involve Grand Rapids priests.
  • Bishop David Walkowiak apologized to survivors and pointed to post-2002 safeguards, including mandatory reporting, background checks, training, and independent audits.