Washington Priest Faces Laicisation After Exposing Alleged Clergy Abuse Cover-Up

Allegations Spark Controversy Within Catholic Church Hierarchy

A growing scandal has emerged from Washington, D.C., where Father Michael Briese, a diocesan priest, now faces laicisation after publicly accusing senior Church officials of sexual abuse cover-ups. According to reports, Fr. Briese received a letter on August 12 from Cardinal Robert McElroy, informing him that the Archdiocese of Washington is petitioning the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Clergy to remove him from the clerical state.

The triggering event? A series of posts on Briese’s Substack blog, in which he named Father Adam Park and Father Carter Griffin as clergy who allegedly sexually abused seminarians. More significantly, he claimed that Cardinal McElroy and his predecessor, Cardinal Wilton Gregory, played roles in concealing these abuses

Church Leadership Responds with Denials and Disciplinary Action

Cardinal McElroy responded by labeling Briese’s posts “defamatory,” and offered him a reduced ministry role on the condition that he take the posts down. Fr. Briese refused. According to the cardinal, Briese also threatened to “bring down the Church and me personally,” though Briese denies making such a statement and maintains that he is simply standing up for the truth.

Despite serious allegations against Fathers Park and Griffin, both men remain in good standing with the Archdiocese. Father Park stepped down from his position as vice-rector of the Pontifical North American College in 2021 after being accused of harassment, but he has continued ministry in Washington. Father Griffin, currently rector at Saint John Paul II Seminary, was also accused of misconduct, which he has firmly denied.

Priest’s Refusal to Stay Silent May Set Historic Precedent

Briese has remained resolute in his position, arguing that retracting the posts would violate safeguarding policies meant to protect seminarians and young parishioners. In a written response on August 22, he emphasized that the Church has failed to directly address his allegations and instead focused on silencing him.

His rebuttal has been forwarded to Pope Leo XIV via Cardinal Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States. It will now be up to the Pope to decide whether Briese will be defrocked and whether the Archdiocese acted appropriately in its handling of these serious claims.

The Broader Implications for Church Abuse Survivors

This case may have far-reaching effects on how whistleblowers within the Catholic Church are treated when they come forward with allegations of abuse or institutional neglect. While it remains unclear whether any formal legal action has been taken by abuse survivors in connection with Briese’s claims, the courage displayed in bringing these allegations to light reflects the broader challenges that many survivors face in seeking justice—particularly within large religious institutions.

In many cases, victims of clergy sexual abuse in Pennsylvania and beyond suffer in silence, fearing retaliation or disbelief. That fear is often compounded when individuals who expose abuse—like Fr. Briese—are threatened with expulsion instead of being heard and supported.

Legal Help for Survivors of Clergy Sexual Abuse in Pennsylvania

If you or someone you know is a survivor of clergy sexual abuse in Pennsylvania, it's crucial to understand that you have legal rights. At Survivors of Abuse PA, we are dedicated to advocating for victims of institutional abuse and those who have suffered due to negligence and cover-ups.

Ashley B. DiLiberto, Esq., a trauma-informed attorney experienced in complex clergy abuse litigation, leads our team with compassion and strength. We are here to listen, investigate your case thoroughly, and hold all responsible parties accountable—whether individual clergy, dioceses, or entire institutions.

Contact a Pennsylvania Clergy Abuse Lawyer Today

If you're ready to take the first step toward justice, don't wait. Contact Survivors of Abuse PA to schedule a confidential consultation with Ashley B. DiLiberto, Esq. by calling (267) 502-9090 or visiting survivorsofabusepa.com.

Justice begins with your voice. Let us help you be heard.

Source:

https://thecatholicherald.com/article/washington-priest-faces-laicisation-after-accusing-senior-clergy-of-abuse-cover-up