Over the past few decades, religious leaders entrusted with guiding and protecting their followers have been discovered tragically abusing this sacred trust by committing acts of sexual abuse, particularly against minors.
Those like Father Basil Goerner’s sexual abuse accusations that are found credible must come to light to help other survivors as well as end this pattern of heinous acts hidden within the Church. If you or a loved one has been victimized by clergy sexual abuse, you deserve justice and the opportunity to heal.
With a proven track record of success, our Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer has secured over $1.4 billion in settlements for survivors. Do not waste any more time. Contact our team today to learn more about your legal rights and begin your journey toward recovery.
Bringing Clergy Sexual Abuse to Light
While recent systemic changes within the Michigan legal system have taken steps to better support survivors, there is much still to be done. Our Michigan sexual abuse lawyers are committed to shedding light on this pervasive issue and supporting survivors to tell their stories and find justice if possible. We recognize that the fight for justice extends beyond the criminal prosecution.
As a survivor of clergy abuse, you deserve both criminal and personal justice. Our Michigan personal injury lawyers’ experience with clergy sexual abuse cases has given us the opportunity to know how to best hold accountable sexual abusers like Father Basil Goerner and the systems that allowed the abuse to occur. We listen, we believe, and we will fight tirelessly to support you.
Sexual abuse can manifest in many forms, from unwanted touching and exposure to more severe acts of assault. When survivors tell their stories, we learn more about what to look for with common signs of clergy abuse and hopefully can use that information to save more children from abuse in the future.
If you or a loved one has experienced any form of sexual abuse, know that your experience is valid, and our team is here to support you in exploring your legal options.
If you or someone you know
endured clergy sex abuse,
contact White Law PLLC today.
About Father Basil Goerner
After raising a family, Basil Goerner was ordained in 1993, becoming a priest at the age of 61. Merely a year after his ordination, Jane Doe7 (as referred to in the Diocese of Marquette’s report) informed the Diocese of sexual abuse that occurred when she was 18 during the early 1970s. She also reported the sexual abuse of Jane Doe8 when the girl was 14 years old, during the same timeframe.
According to Bishop Accountability, a nonprofit focused on clergy abuse, the Diocese reacted by sending Father Basil Goerner for an evaluation at the Servants of the Paraclete, St. Michael’s Community in New Mexico.
After this, he began Spiritual Direction training in Ishpeming, Michigan, under Sr. Jean Junak and Bishop James Garland. From 1994 to 2002, the report provides no notes regarding Goerner’s ministry work or whether the Church was still monitoring him.
In 2002, Goerner wrote Bishop Garland a request to conduct weddings and funerals for family members, which was granted. However, on August 11, 2002, Bishop Garland officially removed him from all public ministry, citing Father Basil Goerner’s sexual abuse accusations and the desire to keep minors safe. Goerner died on January 12, 2008.
Goerner’s Request for Leniency
One note regarding Father Basil Goerner’s sexual abuse accusations is the amount of time that had passed between his reported sexual abuse and his ordination.
While still in ministry, Goerner wrote to Bishop Garland requesting that his inappropriate behavior that occurred over 20 years before be considered a sin that was perpetrated as a married layperson and not reflective of who he was as a celibate priest of the Marquette Diocese.
While a long time had passed, his actions were still within the statute of limitations for his minor victims to press criminal charges as well as take him to court for a civil lawsuit.
The trauma of sexual abuse, particularly with minors, can take years to come to terms with enough to be reported to police or other authorities. According to the nonprofit Child USA, the average age for disclosure of sexual abuse is 52, and the consequence of failing to monitor predator priests like Goerner is that more children can be harmed.
While the Church did not end up granting Goerner leniency, they took nearly 10 years to completely remove him from ministry, potentially allowing more people to become victims of his abusive behaviors.
You can contact our clergy sex abuse
lawyers today and rest easier with
experienced attorneys tackling your case.
A Question of Time: Michigan Statue of Limitations
With how the trauma of sexual abuse sometimes leads to delayed disclosure or repressed memories, there is much debate going on in the Michigan legislature regarding the current statute of limitations for survivors.
Currently, survivors have 10 years from the date of the abuse or until their 28th birthday to file a civil lawsuit. Because of this statute of limitations for clergy abuse, it is crucial to act promptly to protect your legal rights.
For criminal sexual abuse in Michigan, the time limit depends on the degree of conviction. For first-degree criminal sexual assault in Michigan, there is no statute of limitations. This means prosecutors can bring charges regardless of when the abuse occurred.
For second and third-degree criminal sexual abuse, the statute of limitations is 15 years from the date of the offense or the victim’s 28th birthday if the victim was under 18 at the time of the offense. If the victim was 18 years or older at the time of the offense, the statute is 6 years.
There are exceptions to all of these statutes, so be sure to consult with a clergy abuse lawyer to get legal advice tailored to your particular situation.
White Law PLLC Stands with Survivors of Clergy Abuse
We understand that the journey to justice can be long and arduous. At White Law PLLC, we are committed to supporting survivors of sexual abuse, including those victimized by Father Basil Goerner and others within the Marquette Diocese. We will fight to hold perpetrators accountable and secure the compensation you deserve.
We empathize with the pain you have endured and are dedicated to helping you find healing and closure. Contact us today for a free case consultation and to ask any questions you may have. We are here for you.
You have the right to reach out to
a clergy sex abuse attorney and
discuss your right to legal action.
