SPRINGFIELD (MA)
iObserve (Diocese of Springfield MA]
September 30, 2026
SPRINGFIELD – Bishop William D. Byrne released a statement following the long-anticipated release of the attorney general’s report on clergy sexual abuse Wednesday, Sept. 30. Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell released the findings of a grand jury investigation into clergy sexual abuse in the dioceses of Springfield, Fall River and Worcester. The Archdiocese of Boston was previously the subject of a grand jury investigation in 2002 after media reports shed light on clergy sexual abuse.
The investigation, which began in 2019, found that in the three dioceses, more than 1000 children were victims of abuse, over a span of decades.
Bishop Byrne, who made transparency and the promotion of healing for survivors of abuse a priority since coming to Springfield in 2020, said he welcomes the recommendations of the attorney general’s office.
“Today’s report, released by the Attorney General’s Office is a humbling reminder of the need for continued vigilance in properly handling all instances of child sexual abuse when reported to us. Clearly much hard work went into the seven-year investigation and 200-page report, which is an important historical document that has given voice to the survivor community. I am grateful for the courage and guidance of the many survivors who have come forward through the years,” the bishop stated.
“Prior to the report’s release today, our diocese has been busy correcting our past failures, putting into place many new, trauma-informed policies and procedures. We welcome the recommendations put forth by Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell at her press gathering this morning. I believe that the Diocese of Springfield has made great strides that are consistent with these objectives. We will review these further recommendations and remain always open to best practices and avenues to further improvement. We hope that these recommendations do not end with the Catholic dioceses, but are also utilized as a measurement for all groups, schools and youth organizations,” he said.
Since 2019, the Office of Safe Environment and Victim Assistance has undergone several changes to improve the way the diocese handles and responds to allegations of sexual abuse. The diocese has a joint memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the three district attorneys’ offices whose jurisdictions cover western Massachusetts. The MOU dictates that allegations of sexual abuse are first investigated by law enforcement, before the diocese conducts an investigation.
In addition, the list of credibly accused priests was updated to include the names of priests who were deceased at the time of abuse allegations, along with religious order members, clergy from other dioceses, and lay employees. Safe environment training, through VIRTUS, is required for all clergy, diocesan employees and volunteers.
“As a bishop and as an uncle, it is heartbreaking and reprehensible to think that any child would ever be harmed by someone who is supposed to protect them. Our commitment to transparency, healing and the protection of children must remain the top priority.
“I again extend my sincere and heartfelt apology and prayers to all victims and survivors of abuse, their families and friends. I assure you all that I will remain vigilant, continuing to learn from the past and today’s report, and never letting our guard down in this area.”
The Diocese of Springfield encourages anyone with concerns regarding the conduct of any priest, staff member, or volunteer affiliated with the Diocese of Springfield to contact law enforcement and Michael Collins, Diocesan Director of Safe Environment and Victim Assistance at (413) 452-0624 or by email at m.collins@diospringfield.org.