More than 150 priests and others tied to the Archdiocese of Baltimore, Maryland, allegedly abused over 600 children, report says

A report published Wednesday says more than 150 Catholic priests and others connected to the Archdiocese of Baltimore in Maryland sexually abused more than 600 children over the last 80 years. The 463-page document was released by Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, who accused church members of decades of cover-up and described the abuse as widespread across the archdiocese.

Investigators began their work in 2018 and reviewed hundreds of thousands of documents dating back to the 1940s. Brown said the 156 people included in the report were responsible for abusing more than 600 children, and that the true number is probably much higher. According to the investigation, isolated and vulnerable children were often targeted. Many were closely linked to the church, including altar boys, choir members, participants in church youth organizations, and workers housing in church institutions. Speaking at a press conference, Brown described what the investigation found as pernicious and persistent abuse by priests and other staff of the archdiocese.

The report accuses the archdiocese of systematically and methodically covering up abuses committed by members of the Catholic Church. It states that “over and over again, bishops and other church leaders showed empathy for abusers, who overcame any compassion shown for children who suffered abuse.” It also lists cases in which church leaders appeared to protect accused clergymen rather than hold them accountable. In large part, the abusers remained in office or were transferred to another parish. The report further says that the church’s internal research was led by other clergymen rather than independent professionals, a failure of honest dealing (Proverbs 11:1).

Archbishop William Lori apologized to the victims and promised that this reprehensible period in the archdiocese’s history would not be ignored or forgotten. In a statement published online, he called the accounts of abuse shocking and heartbreaking. He acknowledged that many people find it hard to imagine such acts occurred, and said victims know that they did.

The report has been received with shock and anger by victims and activists. Jean Hargadon Wehner, who was abused in Baltimore by the counselor and chaplain of the Catholic school she attended, said she is still angry, according to the Associated Press. The report names Joseph Maskell as Wehner’s alleged abuser and says he was suspected of abusing at least 39 people.

Kurt Rupprecht, another victim, said he was abused at the parish in Salisbury in 1970. He said, “We are here to tell the truth. We will not stop. We face this every day. It is our life imprisonment.” Rupprecht told local media that he feels relief, because there can now be a social and public accounting.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Spanish)