Massachusetts AG Report Reveals 900 Alleged Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases Across Three Dioceses

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell’s office released a nearly 200-page report revealing 900 alleged cases of clergy sexual abuse spanning 70 years across the Worcester, Springfield, and Fall River Catholic dioceses. The findings, disclosed on Wednesday, detail systemic failures within church leadership that allowed abuse to persist and prevent victims from receiving timely protection.

The investigation found that diocesan leaders were aware of misconduct but failed to safeguard children or address institutional shortcomings. The probe identified allegations against 275 clergy members across the regions. Investigators emphasized that underreporting and the potential destruction of records limit the ability to fully assess the extent of the abuse.

The report concluded that no new criminal prosecutions could be pursued, as most incidents occurred before a 2002 law requiring clergy abuse reporting. State prosecutors referred any allegations within the statute of limitations to local district attorney offices for further review. The investigation, initiated in 2019, involved interviews with 100 individuals and a review of over 300,000 documents, including internal archives, police records, and court filings.

Findings revealed that diocesan leaders often shielded abusive priests by transferring them without disclosure, misinforming the public, and failing to enforce ministry restrictions. Trust in church authority and fear of social stigma discouraged families from reporting incidents, while some local law enforcement agencies overlooked allegations.

In response to the report, the Dioceses of Worcester and Fall River issued public statements expressing remorse and noting that all abuse allegations are now systematically forwarded to district attorneys. The Diocese of Worcester stated it would study the report to identify further improvements in responding to past abuse victims and strengthening child protection efforts.

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, representing the Diocese of Fall River, acknowledged the findings and committed to continuing efforts to foster a culture of protection. “We are carefully assessing the AGO report and will continue to take the steps necessary to foster a culture of protection that we have worked to build over the past decade,” he said.

State officials highlighted structural failures that enabled abusive clergy to maintain access to minors over multiple decades. These failures included inadequate responses to allegations and warning signs, transferring accused priests without disclosure, and returning them to ministry following treatment without proper oversight.

Source: Read the original report