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Image: Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Camden; credit: Farragutful via Wikipedia.
The New Jersey Supreme Court appeared skeptical today about the Diocese of Camden’s effort to prevent the state from empaneling a grand jury to investigate clergy sexual abuse allegations, Mike Catalili of The Associated Press reported. The case stems from a broader investigation announced by New Jersey’s attorney general following a 2018 Pennsylvania grand jury report that uncovered widespread clergy abuse dating back decades.
Although New Jersey launched its own inquiry, the results have remained largely hidden due to a prolonged legal battle conducted under sealed proceedings. Earlier this year, records obtained by the Bergen Record revealed a trial court judgment in favor of the diocese, disclosing that the diocese challenged the state’s right to seat a grand jury. In March, the New Jersey Supreme Court ordered the release of additional documents.
At the heart of the legal fight is a disagreement over whether a grand jury can issue findings involving private individuals rather than public officials. Trial and appellate courts ruled in favor of the diocese, halting the grand jury process.
During Monday’s hearing, justices questioned whether the diocese’s challenge was premature, as no grand jury had yet been seated, nor had any findings been issued. Justice Anne Patterson asked the diocese’s attorney, “We don’t know what a grand jury would say, am I right?” The attorney responded, “You’d have to be Rip Van Winkle not to know what the grand jury would say,” arguing that the state’s goal was “to condemn the Catholic Church and priests and bishops.” He emphasized that criminal investigations and civil lawsuits remained available to victims.
No ruling was announced, and it is unclear when the court will issue its decision.
Mark Crawford, state director of Survivors Network for those Abused by Priests, attended the hearing and said he believed the diocese was “grasping at straws.” “These victims want their story heard,” Crawford said. “They want to get in front of the grand jury and tell that story. They want some level of accountability and acknowledgement.”
An email seeking comment from the diocese was not immediately returned to the AP.
Democratic State Senator Joe Vitale, who sponsored New Jersey’s 2019 overhaul of the civil statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims, also attended and said he was hopeful the justices would side with the attorney general.
In 2023, a trial court found that a grand jury investigating the diocese would lack authority. The court reasoned that the probe would focus on private conduct rather than public actions. The appellate court upheld the ruling, leading Attorney General Matt Platkin to appeal to the state’s highest court.
Documents unsealed in March indicated that a state hotline had received more than 550 reports of abuse spanning from the 1940s to more recent decades. Specific allegations were not disclosed.
The diocese argues a grand jury is unnecessary, pointing to a 2002 memorandum of understanding with New Jersey prosecutors that required church officials to report abuse and cooperate with law enforcement.
However, following the Pennsylvania report, New Jersey lawmakers revised the statute of limitations, allowing survivors to file civil claims until age 55 or within seven years of realizing the harm caused by abuse. Previously, survivors had until age 20 or two years after discovering the harm.
In 2019, New Jersey’s five Catholic dioceses publicly identified more than 180 priests credibly accused of abusing minors. Many were deceased or already removed from ministry.
The Diocese of Camden later filed for bankruptcy after facing a flood of lawsuits under the new law. In 2022, the diocese agreed to an $87.5 million settlement with approximately 300 survivors, one of the largest Catholic Church-related settlements in the United States. The agreement surpassed Boston’s landmark 2003 $85 million settlement but remained below settlement amounts reached in California (Archdiocese of Los Angeles) and New York (Diocese of Rockville Centre Settlement).
Are You A Survivor? You’re Not Alone & Justice Is Possible.
If you or someone you love survived abuse within the Catholic Church or another organization, you may have legal options.
Visit SurvivorsRights.com’s Institutional Abuse Resource Page to learn more about your rights and request a free, confidential case review.
For specific information on Catholic Church sexual abuse lawsuits and settlements, visit this resource guide.
