Archbishop Weisenburger Issues Pastoral Message on Clergy Abuse

Detroit Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger issued a five-page pastoral message on March 11, 2026, addressing the Archdiocese of Detroit’s ongoing commitment to healing, accountability, and safeguarding in response to clergy sexual abuse.

The message, “Rebuilding Trust: A Pastoral Message on Abuse, Reform, and Hope,” outlines past failures, reforms, and new measures to protect children and vulnerable adults. Some recent initiatives shared in the message include archdiocesan-wide fingerprinting of clergy, employees and volunteers, comprehensive case reviews, enhanced victim assistance, annual abuse-prevention training for seminarians, and monitoring of clergy removed from ministry to strengthen protections and accountability within the Archdiocese of Detroit.

“I know that words alone cannot heal the harm inflicted. With humility, I offer this pastoral message to express my heartfelt sorrow for the evil of abuse and the profound suffering it has caused,” Archbishop Weisenburger said in the message. “While words cannot undo the damage, please know they are offered in a spirit of repentance, compassion, and a continued commitment to healing.”

Speaking directly to victims, Archbishop Weisenburger offered his “most sincere and heartfelt apology” for the harm caused by bishops, priests, and deacons placed in a position of trust.

“Taking seriously Jesus’ teaching that whatever we do to the least among us, we do to Him, I can only conclude that the crimes and misconduct you suffered were nothing short of an attack on Christ Himself,” he said. “I pray that the wounds you have endured will be healed and that you will be comforted by the grace and love of Jesus.”

Please direct any interview requests or questions to:

Angela Coletti-Brown
Director of Communications
brown.angelacoletti@aod.org
(313) 799-1162

Holly Fournier
Associate Director of Communications
fournier.holly@aod.org
(313) 237-5802

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