Survivors Meet Privately With Attorney General After Release of Clergy Abuse Investigation

Survivors of child sexual abuse by clergy in the Worcester, Springfield, and Fall River Catholic dioceses met privately with Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell following the release of her office’s investigation. The report, issued on September 30, 2026, found that 270 clergy abused nearly 1,000 children over several decades, dating back to the 1950s. The meeting, held behind closed doors, was attended by several survivors who described it as a significant moment of acknowledgment and support.

Skip Shea, a survivor who was sexually assaulted by multiple priests in the Worcester Diocese beginning at age 11, shared his experience at the meeting. He said Campbell expressed gratitude for survivors’ willingness to speak with investigators and emphasized the office’s ongoing commitment to justice. Shea described the meeting as “truly an incredibly powerful moment,” noting that it was free from political overtones and reflected genuine concern for survivors.

Shea also highlighted Campbell’s indication that her office is working to advance new legislation aimed at expanding justice for abuse victims. This includes proposals to remove statute of limitations barriers, eliminate charitable immunity caps for child sexual abuse cases, and create a legal window for survivors to pursue litigation against past abuse.

Cyndi MacKenzie, another Worcester Diocese survivor, expressed disappointment that she was not contacted by the AG’s office until after the investigation was completed. She called for greater transparency, including the publication of updated survivor numbers and the names of credibly accused priests, along with their associated parishes and years of service. “List the priest, list every parish that he was in and the years, for every single priest that ever had allegations against them,” she said, emphasizing the need for clarity to empower other survivors.

The attorney general’s office has not yet released the full list of credibly accused clergy or detailed survivor statistics, despite calls for greater accountability. Survivors continue to seek both legal redress and institutional transparency as they navigate the long-term impacts of abuse.

Source: Read the original report