Michigan officials have released another major report examining historical clergy abuse allegations, identifying claims involving dozens of clergy members connected to the Diocese of Saginaw.
The report marks the sixth installment in a statewide investigation into abuse within Michigan’s Catholic dioceses and leaves only one remaining report before the inquiry is complete.
Dozens of Clergy Named in State Findings
According to the investigation released by the Michigan Attorney General’s Office, allegations were documented against 37 priests and one deacon who served in the Diocese of Saginaw.
The claims span several decades, with some dating back to the 1950s.
Investigators reported that most of the accused clergy are no longer alive, with 30 identified as deceased or presumed dead.
Of the eight priests still living, officials stated that none remain in active ministry.
Most Allegations Involved Minors
The report indicates that the overwhelming majority of accusations involved alleged abuse of children.
Investigators also documented allegations involving adult victims against four priests, highlighting that the reported misconduct extended beyond cases involving minors.
The inquiry was launched to determine whether criminal charges could be pursued against any of those accused.
No Criminal Charges Filed
Despite the extensive investigation, the Attorney General’s Office confirmed that no criminal charges have been brought against clergy members connected to the Diocese of Saginaw as a result of the inquiry.
Attorney General Dana Nessel credited survivors who came forward over many years, saying their willingness to share their experiences made the investigation possible.
She said publishing the findings is intended to acknowledge survivors’ experiences while contributing to safer communities through greater accountability and transparency.
Bishop Offers Public Apology
Following the release of the report, Saginaw Bishop Robert Gruss issued a public statement expressing sorrow to victims of clergy abuse.
He apologized to those harmed by individuals entrusted with positions of spiritual care and emphasized that the diocese had cooperated fully throughout the state’s investigation.
The bishop acknowledged the suffering experienced by survivors and said the Church bears responsibility for confronting the wrongdoing.
Diocese Points to Safeguards Introduced in Recent Years
Gruss noted that most of the allegations outlined in the report relate to incidents that allegedly occurred decades ago, particularly during the 1970s and 1980s.
He said the Catholic Church in the United States has introduced significant child-protection measures over the past two decades, arguing that today’s safeguarding standards are substantially stronger than those in place when many of the reported incidents allegedly occurred.
The bishop also credited survivors whose willingness to speak publicly has helped drive reforms aimed at preventing future abuse.
Statewide Investigation Nears Completion
The Saginaw report is the second-to-last chapter in Michigan’s long-running review of abuse allegations across the state’s Catholic dioceses.
Earlier investigations examined several other dioceses, including Grand Rapids, whose report was released in late 2025.
State officials have confirmed that one final report remains.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, the last investigation—covering the Archdiocese of Detroit—is expected to be published later this year, bringing the statewide review to its conclusion.
