AG Report Story July August
On June 25, 2026, the Office of the Michigan Attorney General released its report concerning allegations of clergy sexual abuse within the Diocese of Saginaw. The investigation spans from 1950 to the present and examines allegations of sexual abuse by both diocesan priests and religious order priests who served in the diocese during this period.
Every diocese in the State of Michigan has been involved in this investigation. The Diocese of Saginaw is the sixth of seven reports released by the Attorney General. It’s important to note that at every step of the process, the Diocese of Saginaw, like all the other dioceses in Michigan, fully cooperated with the AG office since launching its investigation in 2018.
“As Bishop of the Diocese of Saginaw, I want to express my deepest sorrows to those who have been victims of abuse by members of the clergy. Please accept my sincere apology for the pain and suffering you have experienced by those who were entrusted with your care. I'm deeply saddened by it all,” said Most Reverend Robert D. Gruss, seventh bishop of Saginaw.
“We fully believe in greater accountability and transparency, which is essential in restoring the trust that has been broken resulting from the misconduct of a few. We must accept our personal and collective responsibility for protecting children and others and continue to remain vigilant in our response in protecting our young people and vulnerable adults.”
Overall, the 258-page report did not result in any new criminal charges against priests in the Diocese of Saginaw. It did not reveal any allegations of the sexual abuse of a minor regarding priests in active ministry.
Additionally, the majority of allegations involving minors continue to relate to conduct that occurred prior to 2002, the year the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People was created by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. This reflects the impact of ongoing Safe Environment efforts and increased awareness, reporting, and preventive measures in the Diocese.
Our website saginaw.org has resources and information regarding the report, including key findings, a video statement from Bishop Gruss, a letter to the faithful, and child and youth protection resources.
To Report Abuse
Any person with reasonable cause to suspect the sexual abuse of a minor by a member of the clergy, or by any person acting in the name of the Catholic Church, is urged to file a complaint with the Attorney General at 844-324-3374.
If you are a survivor of sexual abuse, either as a child or an adult, by someone representing the Catholic Church, we urge you to contact the diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator, regardless of when the alleged abuse occurred. The Victim Assistance Coordinator is available to help survivors make a formal complaint and obtain support. To contact the Victim Assistance Coordinator: Call: 989-797-6682, email: victim.assistance@diosag.org, or write to: Diocese of Saginaw Attn: Victim Assistance Coordinator, 5800 Weiss St., Saginaw, MI 48603. Our diocese accepts and responds to all reports.
