CATHOLIC CHURCH
VIOLATIONS AND INVESTIGATIONS
🔍 Colorado — Catholic Church Violations & Investigations
Attorney General / State Report on Clergy Abuse in Colorado
In 2019, Colorado released a special report investigating 70 years of allegations against Catholic clergy in the the state. Investigators found it was “more likely than not” that at least 166 children were abused by Catholic priests in Colorado since 1970.
The report criticized long delays: on average, the Church took 19.5 years between a credible allegation being raised and restricting a priest’s interactions with children.
The investigators also identified “shoddy records” and weak Church responses.
As part of that investigation, they discovered additional victims and abusive priests beyond what had been publicly acknowledged.
Recent Lawsuits / Local Cases in Colorado
A man filed suit against the Archdiocese of Denver and two priests, alleging years of sexual abuse beginning when he was an altar boy.
In Colorado, more than 40 priests have been accused in abuse lawsuits.
Critiques & Skepticism About Scope
Some commentators in Colorado have questioned whether the official investigations would fully expose decades of misconduct, given deals and negotiations made behind closed doors.
Survivors and advocacy groups have expressed concern about Church leadership’s transparency and willingness to disclose records.
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🌐 National / U.S. — Broader Patterns & Notable Cases
Scope & Statistics
In a recent update, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) reported 902 new allegations of child sexual abuse by clergy in the 2023-24 period, involving 855 victims.
Surveys show that 62% of U.S. Catholics believe sexual abuse by priests and bishops is still an ongoing problem in the Church—not merely historical.
Organizational / Institutional Failures
Jesuit Order (New Orleans): Leaders reportedly failed to act to prevent abuse by a priest; his promotions continued despite red flags.
Dioceses under bankruptcy / financial pressure:
In New Orleans, bond investors have accused the Archdiocese of “securities fraud” tied to how finances and promises to creditors were handled in its bankruptcy process.
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles settled for $880 million with 1,353 victims of clergy sexual abuse, one of the largest payouts ever.
Legal / Legislative Conflicts
In Washington state, the Church challenged a law that would require clergy to report child abuse claims — even if those claims were made in confession — arguing that it violated religious freedom. A judge blocked enforcement, and a settlement was reached.
The Church has threatened to excommunicate priests who break the “seal of confession” by reporting abuse confessions, putting religious doctrine and child protection in direct tension.