Public Media from Michigan State University

Lansing diocese: Priest molested boys years ago

By AP

LANSING, MI –

The Catholic Diocese of Lansing says a Laingsburg priest molested at least a half-dozen boys in the 1950s and 1960s.

Officials with the diocese on Monday also urged others who may have been abused by the Rev. John Martin to come forward so they can receive counseling.

Bishop Earl Boyea tells the Lansing State Journal he prays "to God there are no more victims."

The bishop says he learned of the abuse claims in June after two men told their stories to the current pastor of St. Isidore Catholic Church in Laingsburg.

Martin was pastor of St. Isidore from 1941 to 1966. He died in 1968.

Notices were placed in church bulletins asking anyone with concerns about Martin to contact the chancellor of the diocese.

The additional victims then came forward.

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