Statement regarding Fr Michael Cooney
The Communications Department shares with you the following statement from the Office of the Archbishop, given to the parishioners of St. Peter Parish in Mt. Clemens at this weekend's liturgies:
In mid-February, the Archdiocese of Detroit shared what it described as "sad and sobering" news with the St. Peter Catholic Community in Mt. Clemens. An arrest had been made of an adult male suspected of sexually assaulting a minor female on parish property. Based on information learned from a Freedom of Information Request to Macomb County authorities, it was alleged that the 14-year-old girl was sexually assaulted in different locations on parish property over the course of several months. Criminal charges were brought forward in late February and the perpetrator is awaiting sentencing.
Early on, the Archdiocese pledged to conduct its own review into this matter. At the heart of the Church's investigation was: what Fr. Cooney knew; how he knew what he knew; and when he reported what he knew to law enforcement authorities. Additionally, there was the question why Fr. Cooney who was not aware that the sexual assaults occurred on parish property until he was notified by law enforcement officials, but had been aware that inappropriate sexual contact was occurring between an adult male and a 14-year-old girl, both of whom were actively involved in parish ministry failed in his response to protect the victim by way of promptly reporting what he knew to law enforcement authorities or preventing contact on Church property between the victim and perpetrator.
As the Church's investigation has moved forward, Fr. Cooney has come to a better understanding of the issues involving him in this matter. In the words of Fr. Cooney: "I believed in good conscience at the time that I was handling the matter appropriately. However, I now understand I did not handle the matter appropriately and I deeply regret that my inaction possibly contributed to the injury that occurred. I am firmly committed to adhering to the child protection laws of the State of Michigan and the laws and policies of the Archdiocese of Detroit in reporting child abuse or neglect to civil authorities and providing a safe environment for the protection of children and young people. My prayers go out to the victim and to all who have been affected by this most tragic case."
The Archdiocese will continue its review of the case in the specific context of canon (church) law. Fr. Cooney is well aware of this, and his legal rights are being fully respected and protected in the process.
At this time Archbishop Vigneron has lifted the temporary measures which have restricted Father Cooney's public ministry the last two months. Father Cooney will resume his ministry as pastor of St. Peter Parish in Mount Clemens immediately even as the investigation continues.Archbishop Vigneron asks that parish members continue to pray for God's grace to bring healing most especially for everyone directly involved in this matter.
