Church Sexual Abuse Survivors Call for Accountability from Portland Diocese Following Legal Settlements

In a significant development, a group of survivors of child sexual abuse by Catholic priests in the Diocese of Portland publicly called for accountability following a recent legal settlement. This action comes after Maine enacted a law in 2021 allowing survivors to bring civil lawsuits for older cases, previously restricted if the abuse occurred before the late 1980s.

Since the law’s enactment, the Portland diocese has resolved over 100 claims of child sex abuse, involving survivors aged 35 to late 80s, with an equal number of men and women affected. In late August, the diocese settled with 42 survivors, as reported by Maine Public.

Bishop James T. Ruggieri issued a statement affirming the diocese’s commitment to investigating every abuse report and ensuring parish safety. He expressed his prayers for all harmed and those seeking healing, emphasizing a commitment to integrity and safety.

However, attorney Jessica Arbour expressed skepticism about the diocese’s commitment to change, noting that conversations with the diocese did not align with typical supportive interactions seen in other dioceses. Arbour emphasized that without a change in attitude, survivors might not feel safe reporting abuse, and children might not be safe in Maine’s Catholic parishes.

Survivor Annie Allen, represented by Arbour and attorney Michael Bigos, criticized the diocese’s statement as insufficient, focusing more on financial settlements rather than addressing the survivors’ needs for comfort and closure. Allen highlighted that the statement provided little solace to those she represented.

Bishop Ruggieri’s statement mentioned that financial settlements aim to acknowledge the abuse’s severity tangibly. This situation underscores the ongoing challenges of accountability and justice, reflecting Micah 6:8’s call for justice and mercy in community life.

Source: Read the original report