Statement on AG Report on Child Abuse

In our 2022 diocesan report on child sexual abuse in the history of our diocese Bishop McManus writes: “As your bishop, I am profoundly sorry for the abuse of minors by priests within this diocese since its founding in March 1950. I continue in my commitment with the help of many collaborators to do everything we can to ensure such abuse does not happen again.”
Today the Attorney General has released a report following a grand jury investigation of our diocese along with that of Fall River and Springfield. 
We welcome the AG’s report for three reasons. 
First, after an exhaustive investigation in which we were fully cooperative, there were no charges filed. It is also worth noting that any complaints of allegations received since 2002 have been immediately forwarded to the local District Attorney’s office.
Secondly, the report validates our own report originally issued in 2004 and updated following the grand jury investigation, noting the number of allegations which have come forward, the time frame when reported, and when the abuse it to have occurred. Both reports point out that the vast majority of cases occurred 40 – 60 years ago. Our procedures over the past three decades, including the way we screen candidates for ordination, as well as the awareness and safety training which was implemented in all our parishes and ministries, have made an enormous difference.
Thirdly, this validates our local implementation of the 2002 Charter for the Protection of Children and Minors was adopted by all the US dioceses of the U.S. Victims have come forward and had their claims heard by clinical social workers and a Review Board with majority membership of skilled, independent advisers from the fields of child trauma and abuse. The diocese has passed each year’s independent compliance audit since the Charter was adopted. And now those efforts serve as a model for other institutions, public or private, who care for children and minors.
We will study the AG’s report to identify any additional improvements that can be made to respond to victims of past abuse and to continue to strengthen efforts to keep children safe. 
The updated diocesan report can be found at 
https://files.ecatholic.com/5647/documents/2026/7/Clerical%20Abuse%20Update%20%20MARCH%202026.pdf?t=1784128136000