The report found that 28 allegations of the sexual abuse of children or adults have been made since 1950. The report noted that the allegations’ “inclusion does not reflect a determination by the Department that the allegations are credible or otherwise substantiated nor indicative of a crime.”
The report details allegations against three priests in active ministry, two of whom are retired, and one of whom is a pastor.
The allegation against the pastor involves an adult woman; the allegations against the two retired priests involved an adult woman and an adult male hospital patient.
In its response, the Diocese of Gaylord broke down the allegations by decade and distinguished between credible, substantiated, and inconclusive allegations.
“Sadly, all of this information shows the very human side of the Church, which is not immune from the brokenness that we find in our humanity,” said Bishop Jeffery Walsh. “Continuous learning and refining our practices to build a safer environment has contributed to the decline in alleged sexual abuse by clergy.”