Lawsuit Alleges Decades of Cover-ups and Transfers of Accused Clergy
ST. LOUIS — On a sweltering July afternoon, the stone steps of the St. Louis Cathedral Basilica became an unlikely pulpit for those long silenced. Survivors of clergy sexual abuse, their voices trembling but resolute, gathered to announce a lawsuit that could shake the foundations of one of the Midwest’s most influential Catholic institutions. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of 25 unnamed individuals against the Archdiocese of St. Louis, paints a damning picture of an organization that allegedly enabled and concealed the sexual abuse of children by priests and nuns for decades. The legal action, which seeks a jury trial, has sent ripples through a community where faith and social fabric are deeply intertwined.
5 Key Points
- Lawsuit filed against Archdiocese of St. Louis alleges decades of clergy sexual abuse cover-ups
- 25 unnamed plaintiffs seek jury trial, with total complainants reaching 60 in recent suits
- Survivors speak out, revealing personal stories of trauma and resilience
- Archdiocese accused of transferring predatory clergy rather than taking legal action
- Calls for transparency and accountability echo beyond church steps
A Legacy of Pain and a Quest for Healing
David Clohessy, his weathered face a testament to years of advocacy, stood before the ornate cathedral doors. “We’ve carried this burden for far too long,” he said, his voice barely audible above the city’s bustle. Clohessy, a survivor of abuse by a priest in the Diocese of Jefferson City and former executive director of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP), sees the lawsuit as more than a legal challenge. “It’s a chance for truth to finally see the light of day,” he explained.
Patterns of Abuse and Institutional Response
The 100-page lawsuit in St. Louis Circuit Court reads like a litany of horrors. It alleges that the Archdiocese not only failed to protect children but actively worked to shield abusers from consequences. “They moved predators from parish to parish like chess pieces,” said attorney Rebecca Thompson, representing the plaintiffs. “All while knowing the danger they posed to innocent children.”
One plaintiff, identified only as John Doe 37, described years of abuse that began when he was an altar boy. “I trusted them completely,” he said, his hands clenched tightly. “They used that trust to destroy my childhood and haunt my adult life.”
The lawsuit claims the archdiocese “allowed and/or encouraged its agents to turn a blind eye toward sexual abuse of minors in furtherance of its policy of covering up these crimes.” This pattern, the plaintiffs argue, led to countless unnecessary victims and decades of suffering.
The Long Shadow of Trauma
For many survivors, the effects of abuse have reverberated through every aspect of their lives. Anne Gleeson, now in her 60s, said she was abused by a nun from 8th grade until she was almost 20. “It’s like they stole my future,” Gleeson said, her voice breaking. “I’ve spent my whole life trying to understand who I might have been without this trauma.”
Peggy Schwartz, a clinical social worker with SNAP, read aloud quotes from survivors detailing the manipulation tactics used by abusers. “‘God wanted him to do these things to her,'” Schwartz recited, her face grim. “These weren’t just crimes; they were betrayals of the most sacred trust.”
The lawsuit details the profound impact on survivors, citing “great pain of mind and body, shock, emotional distress, physical manifestations of emotional distress, embarrassment, loss of self-esteem, disgrace, humiliation, and loss of enjoyment of life. The road to healing has been long and fraught with setbacks for many.
A Call for Accountability in the Church and Beyond
The legal action names Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski as a defendant in his capacity as leader of the Archdiocese. Survivors and advocates are demanding more than just financial compensation; they’re calling for a complete overhaul of how the church handles abuse allegations.
“We need full disclosure,” Clohessy insisted. “Every name, every allegation, every cover-up. Only then can we begin to protect children and help survivors heal.”
The lawsuit’s impact extends beyond the Catholic community. Douglas Lay, a pastor who advocates against evangelical clergy abuse, sees it as a watershed moment for all religious institutions. “This isn’t just a Catholic problem,” Lay said. “Every faith community needs to take a hard look at how they handle allegations of abuse.”
The Road Ahead
The St. Louis community finds itself at a crossroads as the legal process unfolds. For some, the lawsuit represents a long-overdue reckoning. For others, it’s a painful reminder of a crisis that has shaken their faith.
The Archdiocese of St. Louis has yet to respond to requests for comment, leaving many questions unanswered. As the case progresses, it may force a broader conversation about institutional accountability and protecting society’s most vulnerable.
The lawsuit represents more than a legal battle for the survivors gathered on those cathedral steps. It’s a reclamation of their voices and a step towards healing. “No matter what happens in court,” Clohessy said, tears welling in his eyes, “these brave individuals have already won. They’ve broken their silence, and in doing so, they’ve reclaimed their power.”
FAQ
Q: Do you qualify for a clergy abuse lawsuit?
A: To see if you qualify, click here.
Q: How widespread is the clergy abuse scandal in St. Louis?
A: The current lawsuit involves 25 unnamed plaintiffs, but recent legal actions suggest at least 60 individuals have come forward with allegations against the Archdiocese of St. Louis.
Q: What specific charges are being brought against the archdiocese?
A: The lawsuit includes charges of childhood sexual abuse, fraud, and aiding and abetting. It alleges a systematic cover-up of abuse by church officials.
Q: How has the Archdiocese of St. Louis responded to these allegations?
A: According to the latest reports, the archdiocese has not publicly responded to the lawsuit or its allegations.
Q: What support is available for survivors of clergy abuse?
A: Organizations like the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests (SNAP) offer support groups and resources for those affected by religious and institutional abuse.
Q: How might this lawsuit impact other religious institutions?
A: The case could set precedents for how religious organizations handle abuse allegations and may inspire similar actions in other faith communities.
Citations
Holcomb, M., & Llorico, A. (2024, July 25). Archdiocese of St. Louis sued over clergy sexual abuse allegations. St. Louis Public Radio. https://www.stlpr.org/law-order/2024-07-25/survivors-of-sexual-abuse-by-archdiocese-of-st-louis-clergy-sue-for-change
