Mass. AG Report on Clergy Abuse Finds Nearly 1,000 Children Sexually Abused

Terry McKiernan, founder and president of BishopAccountability.org, expressed a nuanced reaction to the recent report by the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office. The report revealed that nearly 1,000 children were sexually abused by clergy in the Catholic Dioceses of Fall River, Worcester, and Springfield. McKiernan described the findings as both “helpful” and “disappointing,” acknowledging the report’s value in documenting the scale of the crisis while noting its limitations in addressing the full scope of the issue.

BishopAccountability.org, which McKiernan has led for over two decades, serves as a critical resource for victims, survivors, and advocates. The organization maintains a comprehensive database of accused clergy members across the United States, organized by diocese and including detailed records of their backgrounds, assignments, and the sources of information about their misconduct. This database, which has grown from 2,000 to over 8,000 entries since its inception in 2005, provides transparency into the historical patterns of abuse and the institutional responses to it.

In addition to the database, BishopAccountability.org curates collections of internal church documents from various dioceses. These materials offer insight into the bureaucratic processes that allowed abuse to persist, including the movement of abusive clergy between parishes and dioceses. McKiernan emphasized that these documents provide a rare opportunity to observe the internal workings of the church and the decisions made by bishops, often with knowledge of the harm being caused.

The organization also maintains a news blog that aggregates daily updates on the clergy abuse crisis, covering developments in the United States and internationally. This includes reports on abuse in other Christian denominations, highlighting the broader context of institutional failures in safeguarding vulnerable individuals. Survivor accounts are another vital component of the site, offering personal narratives that underscore the human impact of the abuse and the need for accountability.

McKiernan’s work reflects a commitment to justice and transparency, rooted in the belief that truth and accountability are essential for healing and reform. His perspective aligns with the biblical call to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves” (Proverbs 31:8-9), emphasizing the moral imperative to confront systemic failures and protect the vulnerable. The recent report, while a step forward, underscores the ongoing need for vigilance and action in addressing the legacy of abuse within religious institutions.

Source: Read the original report