MICHIGAN
WXMI
February 18, 2005
KENT COUNTY -- The catholic church has announced nearly 1100 new allegations of sex abuse by priests.
Of those national cases that came to light after a long internal review, four are within the Grand Rapids Diocese. The church made the announcement Friday afternoon.
Local catholic church leaders and members took a close look Friday night at the harsh allegations. Four victims claim local priests sexually assaulted them when they were children.
"It's really shocking and kind of disappointing because as part of a catholic church, you see your pastor as a source of inspiration, as a symbol of guidance," said concerned catholic Trey Springer.
The victims are coming forward now, but the alleged assaults took place between 1960 and 1980. The church isn't revealing names or locations. But we do know, they involve four priests from the Grand Rapids Diocese. Three have died, the fourth is no longer an active priest.