Seattle Archdiocese Refuses to Cooperate in Clergy Abuse Investigation by Washington AG

By Trend News Line 2024-05-09 20:17:09.

# Seattle Archbishop Faces Legal Action Over Handling of Clergy Abuse Allegations

Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson has taken a bold step in seeking justice for victims of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. On Thursday, he announced plans to obtain a court order that would force the Seattle Archdiocese to hand over files on priests accused of sexual abuse. This move comes as part of a comprehensive probe into how the state’s three Catholic dioceses have handled claims of child sex abuse over the years.

## Seeking Accountability

Ferguson’s office is investigating allegations that the Catholic Church has been complicit in covering up decades of pervasive sexual abuse of children by Church leaders in Washington State. The petition for a court order filed by his office outlines the need for transparency and accountability in addressing these serious allegations.

Despite civil subpoenas issued by Ferguson’s office last summer and last month, the Seattle Archdiocese has, according to Ferguson, “refused to cooperate.” This lack of cooperation has prompted Ferguson to take legal action in the form of a petition filed in King County Superior Court. The goal is to enforce the subpoena and compel Seattle Archbishop Paul Etienne to provide answers under oath.

## Demanding Transparency

If the court order is obtained, Archbishop Etienne will be required to appear for a deposition, and the Seattle Archdiocese will be compelled to produce internal records, including confidential archives related to clergy sexual abuse allegations dating back several decades. This level of transparency is crucial in shedding light on how the Catholic Church has handled such serious and sensitive issues.

Ferguson emphasized the importance of holding the Catholic Church accountable for its handling of child sex abuse cases, stating, “Washingtonians deserve a public accounting of how the Catholic Church handles allegations of child sex abuse, and whether charitable dollars were used to cover it up.” As a Catholic himself, Ferguson expressed disappointment in the Church’s refusal to cooperate with the investigation.

## A Landmark Investigation

The investigation led by Ferguson marks a significant milestone in addressing clergy abuse within the Catholic Church. Advocates for survivors have long called for such inquiries, and Washington’s investigation is the first of its kind to scrutinize the Seattle Archdiocese’s handling of clergy abuse allegations.

The Seattle Archdiocese previously identified at least 79 clergy members as “credibly accused” sex offenders in 2016. However, the Church has been reluctant to release its secret files on clergy abuse or allow independent investigators to review them. Ferguson’s investigation aims to bring transparency and accountability to the forefront.

## Legal Action and Accountability

Ferguson’s decision to pursue legal action against the Seattle Archdiocese is part of a broader effort to ensure accountability within the Catholic Church. The subpoenas issued to the three dioceses in Washington demand a thorough review of all reports of sexual abuse allegations against priests and other clergy members, dating back to 1940.

The Seattle Archdiocese, along with the dioceses in Yakima and Spokane, will face consequences if they fail to comply with the subpoenas. Ferguson’s office is prepared to seek court orders against any diocese that refuses to cooperate with the investigation.

The pursuit of justice for victims of clergy abuse is a crucial step in holding institutions accountable for their actions. Ferguson’s investigation represents a significant effort to bring transparency and accountability to the forefront of the Catholic Church’s handling of child sex abuse cases..

“Washington AG investigating clergy abuse Seattle Archdiocese won’t cooperate”.