Statement on the Death of Cardinal Bernard Law

The news about Cardinal Bernard Law’s death provides the Archdiocese of Detroit with an opportunity to again state its commitment to those victims and their families who have been impacted by the sexual abuse of minors by members of the Catholic clergy and/or Church personnel. The Archdiocesan website (aod.org) along with every print edition of The Michigan Catholic newspaper publish this contact information on reporting sexual abuse; parishes are encouraged to publish it in their weekly bulletins:

Making a Report of Sexual Abuse

To inform the Archdiocese of Detroit regarding the sexual abuse of minors by priests, deacons and other Church personnel and/or to speak to the Victim Assistance Coordinator contact: (866) 343-8055. A caller will be requested to provide his or her name and telephone number. All calls regarding complaints of sexual abuse will be returned in a timely manner. This toll-free number has been established as part of an effort by the Detroit archdiocese to protect children, young people and other vulnerable people in our schools, parishes and ministries. This line is for reporting suspected sexual misconduct or child abuse within archdiocesan institutions and ministries only. Persons with such complaints are also encouraged to directly contact law enforcement authorities.

Hacer un informe de abuso sexual

Para informar a la Arquidiócesis de Detroit sobre el abuso sexual de menores por sacerdotes, diáconos y otros miembros de la Iglesia y / o hablar con el Coordinador de Asistencia a Víctimas, comuníquese al (866) 343-8055. Se le pedirá a la persona que llama que proporcione su nombre y número de teléfono. Todas las llamadas relacionadas con las quejas de abuso sexual serán devueltas de manera oportuna. Este número gratuito ha sido establecido como parte de un esfuerzo de la Arquidiócesis de Detroit para proteger a niños, jóvenes y otras personas vulnerables en nuestras escuelas, parroquias y ministerios. Esta línea es para reportar sospecha de mala conducta sexual o abuso infantil dentro de las instituciones y ministerios de la arquidiócesis solamente. Las personas con tales quejas también se les anima a contactar directamente con las autoridades policiales.

There are no deadlines or restrictions on bringing a complaint forward. Be it five, 15, or 50 years old, the Detroit archdiocese accepts and processes all reports.