The Catholic bishop of Lansing says the diocese will undergo an independent review of its sexual abuse investigation procedures.
Bishop Earl Boyea held a special worship service in Lansing Friday to pray for victims of sexual assault, and to ask forgiveness for abusive clergy.
Since 2002, the Lansing diocese has adhered to a national sexual abuse prevention and reporting policy adopted by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Boyea says while the diocese has received no reports of sexual abuse since 2002, its unknown how many incidences may have taken place since.
“That’s a very good question,” says Boyea. “I have no way of knowing that unless someone comes forward. But I’m always inviting; people want to bring things up, I’m very willing to hear this.”
Boyea says the diocese will publish the names of clergy known to have sexually abused children.
There’s no timetable yet for the external review.
