Detroit Archbishop Edward Weisenburger released a pastoral letter March 11 outlining new measures to address clergy sexual abuse since his installation in 2025.
“Among the more serious obligations entrusted to me is addressing the wounds caused by clergy sexual abuse, along with strengthening the Church’s commitment to accountability and protection,” the archbishop wrote. “I remain firmly committed to ensuring that the protection of children and vulnerable adults is upheld as a central and enduring priority of my pastoral leadership.”
In the letter, Archbishop Weisenburger offered a direct apology to victims of abuse by clergy.
“The history of abuse must not be minimized, explained away, or forgotten,” he added. “This is a cross that we must be willing to bear for the sake of victims and for the healing of all who have been harmed.”
Reflecting on the spiritual gravity of the abuse crisis, the archbishop said the crimes committed against victims were “nothing short of an attack on Christ Himself.”
He also acknowledged the broader damage caused by the scandal within the Church.
“Clergy sexual abuse has been nothing short of a horrific scourge on the Church,” he wrote. “These crimes have caused immeasurable harm — devastating child victims and their families and wounding the faith of an entire generation of Catholics.”
Among the most significant actions announced in the letter is what the archbishop called an “unprecedented review” of clergy misconduct cases in the archdiocese.
Shortly after arriving in Detroit, the archbishop appointed Father John Maksym, a canon lawyer and retired judge, as episcopal vicar for clergy discipline and assembled a team of legal and safeguarding experts to examine clergy personnel files.
“For the first known time in the history of our archdiocese, this team reviewed and evaluated every known case involving clergy misconduct — not only those involving allegations of sexual abuse — dating back to the early 1920s,” the archbishop wrote.
The review examined cases involving bishops, priests, and deacons and sought to identify all credible allegations of abuse involving minors or vulnerable adults.
The letter states that the review was made possible in part after personnel files held by the Michigan Attorney General’s Office were returned to the archdiocese following several years in state custody during an ongoing statewide investigation into clergy abuse.
The archdiocese reports abuse allegations to civil authorities and does not conduct internal canonical investigations until receiving permission from law enforcement, the archbishop added.
The pastoral letter then noted several other reforms implemented by Archbishop Weisenburger.
The archdiocese has begun implementing a fingerprinting policy for clergy, employees, educators, and volunteers who work with children or vulnerable adults. Fingerprinting allows participation in state and federal databases that notify institutions if individuals are arrested after a background check.
The archdiocese has increased funds reserved for psychological and psychiatric care for abuse victims. It has also separated investigative responsibilities from victim support by assigning Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan to oversee victim assistance.
“Victims carry wounds that safe environment policies alone cannot heal,” Archbishop Weisenburger wrote, “and it is the Church’s responsibility to walk with them patiently, compassionately, and faithfully on the path toward healing.”
The archbishop also directed Sacred Heart Major Seminary to establish an annual seminar addressing the history of the clergy abuse crisis and safeguarding responsibilities. The seminar will include a review of reports from the Michigan Attorney General and other law enforcement agencies, along with updates to Church law governing clerical discipline.
Another reform creates a supervisory role to monitor priests or deacons removed from ministry to ensure they comply with restrictions.
“Our responsibility does not end when a cleric is removed from active ministry,” Archbishop Weisenburger wrote. “Any restrictions placed on a cleric who has been removed from ministry must be monitored carefully and consistently.”
The archbishop encouraged anyone with knowledge of abuse to report it to law enforcement or the Michigan Attorney General’s clergy abuse hotline.
“The actions we take today were made possible by the victims who bravely came forward to share their stories, seek justice, and demand change,” he wrote.
While acknowledging the abuse crisis, Archbishop Weisenburger also expressed gratitude for clergy who serve faithfully.
He concluded by urging Catholics to pray for victims and remain committed to safeguarding the vulnerable.
“Please join me in praying for the victims of clergy sexual abuse,” Archbishop Weisenburger wrote. “Together, let us ensure that the crimes of the past are not repeated.”