Articles Posted in Clergy & Church Sexual Abuse

The Diocese of Springfield, established to serve the spiritual needs of a significant Catholic population, has long been a cornerstone of faith in Central and Southern Illinois. Spanning communities from Quincy to Decatur and Granite City to Jacksonville, the diocese has fostered devotion through its churches, schools, and outreach efforts, such as those by Catholic…

The Diocese of Rockford, a cornerstone of faith for Catholics in Northern Illinois, has long been a spiritual beacon for its eleven counties. Established to guide generations in their obligation to attend Mass and embrace the Holy Spirit’s presence, its influence extends deeply into cultural and religious life. Yet, recent allegations of sexual abuse within…

The Diocese of Peoria, a prominent Catholic institution in Central Illinois, has been deeply rooted in faith and discipleship, with efforts to grow disciples guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Celebrated for its spiritual contributions and the legacy of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, a native son of the diocese, Peoria…

The Diocese of Joliet serves as a prominent center for the Catholic Church in Illinois, covering seven counties, including DuPage County. Unfortunately, like many dioceses across the country, the Diocese of Joliet has faced serious allegations of clergy sexual abuse that have shaken the faith of its congregants and the larger Catholic community. The Joliet…

The Diocese of Belleville, an ecclesiastical territory with deep roots in Southern Illinois, has long served as a spiritual hub for Catholics in the region, playing a vital role in shaping religious and cultural norms through its parishes, schools, and ministries. Yet, it is now at the center of troubling allegations involving sexual abuse by…

Clergy abuse survivor resources are becoming more important as more clergy abuse victims come of age and decide to seek the help that they need. Fortunately, the revelations that clergy abuse is more widespread than originally thought led to the creation of more resources specifically to help abuse survivors. One of the ways that clergy…

Widespread sexual abuse of children by religious leaders has become a critical issue in many religious organizations – and one which is not receiving the swift resolution it needs to protect children. Even 22 years after the 2002 Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People made child sexual abuse a flashpoint issue for…

We trust our religious leaders to have our best interests at heart and be there for us throughout life. Unfortunately, there have been many instances where this trust has turned to the sexual abuse of children and adults. There have been numerous sexual abuse allegations within many branches of the Catholic Church in the United…

Clergy abuse is a serious issue that has impacted and continues to impact various religious denominations across the globe. This troubling phenomenon involves instances where individuals in positions of religious authority misuse their power to exploit or harm others and commit sexual abuse. While much of the media coverage and national attention has focused on…

Child sexual abuse is a profoundly traumatic experience that can lead to long-lasting emotional and psychological scars. For survivors seeking justice and healing, understanding the complexities of clergy-penitent privilege is crucial. What Is Clergy Penitent Privilege? Clergy penitent privilege is a legal doctrine that protects the confidentiality of communications between a member of the clergy…