The Millstone: Week of October 4, 2026
A Massachusetts report counts nearly 1,000 children abused by clergy, New York floats a carve-out settlement, and Vermont’s diocese tries to quit bankruptcy.
This week: a Massachusetts report counts nearly 1,000 children abused by Catholic clergy, New York’s archdiocese floats a settlement with a carve-out for younger survivors, and Vermont’s diocese tries to walk away from its own bankruptcy.
Massachusetts report: 270 clergy, nearly 1,000 children
A report from the Massachusetts Attorney General found that more than 270 Catholic clergy sexually abused nearly 1,000 children over decades across the Springfield, Worcester, and Fall River dioceses, and documented decades of institutional cover-up. SNAP is now calling on the state to release the name of every accused cleric. In Worcester, where the report counts 90 abuse cases and 216 survivors, Bishop Robert McManus’s diocese is under pressure to publish its full list of credibly accused priests. Survivor Frank Fitzpatrick’s reaction: “I wish they had started in 1992.”
Read more: the report · SNAP’s call for names · Worcester’s records · Frank Fitzpatrick
New York archdiocese floats a settlement with a carve-out
The Archdiocese of New York has proposed a new settlement deal for abuse survivors that includes a separate carve-out for survivors under 30, as it tries to avoid bankruptcy.
Vermont diocese tries to walk away from its own bankruptcy
Two years after filing, Vermont’s Roman Catholic Diocese has asked the court to dismiss its bankruptcy case, citing mounting legal costs and no end in sight. Abuse claims against the diocese remain unresolved.
Read more at BishopAccountability
Alberta and the Anglican Church admit liability for Edmonton youth jail priest
The Alberta government and the Anglican Church have admitted vicarious liability for a priest accused of sexually abusing young people held at an Edmonton youth jail. Survivors are still waiting on compensation.
Read more at BishopAccountability
Vatican confirms abuse by Institute of the Incarnate Word founder
The Vatican has confirmed abuse by Carlos Miguel Buela, founder of the Institute of the Incarnate Word, and ordered the congregation to undergo a renewal.
Lithuania’s bishops open an investigation
Lithuania’s Catholic bishops announced an investigation into Church crimes against minors and vulnerable adults going back to the country’s 1990 independence from the Soviet Union.
Read more at BishopAccountability
Arrests, charges, and a verdict
Haiti: American missionary Maylon Foshee faces federal charges of sexual misconduct involving minors in Haiti and is due back in court October 12. BishopAccountability
Pulaski County: Pastor Scott C. Hughes was arrested on sex abuse charges involving minors, with allegations dating back to 2018. BishopAccountability
Franklin County: Scott Hartman, an executive with the Catholic Foundation, was arrested in an investigation into online sex abuse of a minor; the report says he confessed after police served a search warrant. SNAP
Borger: Minister Tharon Thomas Drake is charged with receipt of child pornography connected to online communications with minors from 2024 to 2026. SNAP
Sheffield, England: Former priest Christopher Brain was found guilty of rape and indecent assaults committed within a cult-like evangelical movement. His defense: it was “affection, not abuse.” SNAP
Charges are allegations. Everyone charged is presumed innocent unless convicted.
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