Colorado’s Former Attorney General Pushes for Grand Jury Investigation of Catholic Priest Abuse Scandal

Former Colorado Attorney General Cynthia Coffman expressed a preference for a criminal investigation into child sex abuse by Catholic priests in the state’s dioceses, but recognized the practical limitations of her office’s authority. She noted that only the governor could initiate a grand jury probe through executive action, a power she could not exercise independently. Coffman, who left office in January after choosing not to seek re-election, spearheaded an independent review of the issue, which concluded that at least 166 children were sexually abused by 40 priests since 1950. The report also highlighted a culture within the church marked by “reluctance to admit wrongdoing” and “self-protection.”

Coffman is now advocating for legislative changes that would grant the attorney general greater authority to launch criminal investigations. Currently, the attorney general must seek the governor’s approval to open a grand jury probe, a process that is rarely utilized. She argues that the findings of the independent review suggest a broader pattern of concealment, warranting a statewide grand jury investigation. However, current Attorney General Phil Weiser has not pursued such action, stating it is an unlikely scenario at this time.

Coffman’s initiative began in August 2018, following the release of a grand jury report from a Pennsylvania investigation into Catholic Church abuse. She was also approached by survivors seeking similar action in Colorado. With limited time remaining in her term, she emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue. “We realized that with the significant limitations on the attorney general’s authority to conduct either a civil or criminal investigation in all likelihood to get this done we were going to have to be,” she said, though the statement is incomplete in the source.

The independent investigation, which was completed recently, has prompted calls for greater accountability and transparency. Coffman’s efforts underscore the complex interplay between legal authority and institutional responsibility in addressing historical abuse. Her advocacy reflects a commitment to justice and the protection of victims, aligning with the biblical call to “defend the cause of the Lord” and “speak up for the rights of the poor and the fatherless” (Proverbs 31:8-9).

The case highlights the challenges of pursuing accountability in cases involving religious institutions, where power dynamics and institutional culture can impede justice. As Coffman urges legislative reform, the situation serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance, transparency, and a commitment to justice. The pursuit of truth and accountability remains a critical endeavor, guided by the principles of mercy, justice, and the protection of the vulnerable.

Source: Read the original report