The Diocese of Grand Rapids’ Office of Communications issues the following statement in regard to the search warrant executed in all seven Michigan Catholic dioceses on Oct. 3:
The Diocese of Grand Rapids received and fully cooperated in the execution of a search warrant related to the ongoing investigation by the Michigan Department of the Attorney General.
Per our statement regarding the announcement of the Attorney General’s investigation on September 21, 2018, “The Diocese of Grand Rapids welcomes and will fully cooperate with the Department of the Attorney General. We welcome them to join us in our efforts of inviting survivors to come forward, a practice that has been in place since 2002.”
We will continue to assist in the Attorney General’s investigation as requested.
Additional details on safe environment policies and procedures in the Diocese of Grand Rapids can be found under Child and Youth Protection on the diocesan website.
Contact:
Annalise Laumeyer, communications director
alaumeyer@grdiocese.org | 616-551-5629
Also read/watch:
These resources are meant to serve as a guide for priests, church staff, school leaders and staff, volunteers and parents.
VIRTUS®
USCCB Child and Youth Protection
USCCB Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People
USCCB Essential Norms for Diocesan/Eparchial Policies Dealing with Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests or Deacons (English | Español | Vietnamese)
Frequently asked questions on safe environments (USCCB)
Safe environment policies and practices in the diocese (English | Español)
How to speak to your children about difficult subjects (Diocese of Erie, PA)
So there is no doubt: The Catholic Church's solution to end the abuse of children (Flyer)
National Review Board and John Jay College of Criminal Justice Reports
Order for the Blessing of a Victim of Crime or Oppression
Resources for National Child Abuse Prevention Month (April)
U.S. bishops launch new prevention website (June 2019)
The USCCB has launched a new website highlighting the importance of prevention, protection and accountability in response to the ongoing effort to eradicate clergy sexual abuse. This new site serves as a resource detailing the steps the American bishops are taking to confront this crisis. Visit the site at: usccbprevention.org
Additional resources from the bishop
Video message from Bishop Walkowiak on the clergy abuse scandal (Feb. 7)
Reflection on Vos estis lux mundi, Pope Francis' apostolic letter ordering global action by the Church in responding to and reporting sexual abuse (English | Español)
Letters to the faithful
Letter with updates from the 2019 USCCB Spring General Assembly - June 2019 (English | Español)
Reflection on the USCCB General Fall Assembly – November 2018 (English | Español)
Follow-up letter regarding the scandal – September 2018 (English | Español)
Initial letter regarding the scandal – August 2018 (English | Español)