Lansing Update: September 21, 2018

Posted September 21, 2018

Dioceses Welcome Attorney General's Investigation, Pledge Cooperation

The seven Catholic dioceses in the State of Michigan are pledging their full cooperation following an announcement from Attorney General Bill Schuette that an investigation is underway to learn how the Church handled cases of child sexual abuse. According to a statement released by the Archdiocese of Detroit: "We have worked closely with authorities from all six counties within our archdiocese since 2002, when we shared past case files involving clergy misconduct and committed to turning over all new allegations regardless of when the alleged abuse occurred. The Attorney General investigation is the next phase of our commitment to transparency and healing." Since 2002, each of the seven dioceses in Michigan have been in compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People to ensure the safety of children and to remove anyone with a credible allegation of abuse against them. These policies and practices ensure that any religious or lay person who works for a Catholic institution, including parishes and schools, must undergo training on how to spot abuse, cooperate with a background check, and provide fingerprints. Volunteers are also required to participate in training on how to recognize the signs of abuse. Below are additional statements from dioceses in Michigan regarding the Attorney General's announcement this week:

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Stay Tuned for Advocacy on Critical "Raise the Age" Bills

Currently in Michigan, seventeen-year-olds are automatically charged and sentenced as adults in Michigan, even for first-time, non-violent offenses. A package of bills in the Michigan Legislature would change this misguided policy and allow seventeen-year-olds to remain in the juvenile system, unless a judge or prosecutor chooses to charge them as an adult in cases of serious crimes. The House Law and Justice Committee is expected to hear testimony on these bills early next week. Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC) will be testifying, along with other organizations and individuals from across the political spectrum. Stay tuned for coming opportunities to take action on this package of bills.

For further information on this issue, check out:

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