LANSING, Mich. — The announcement Friday from the Diocese did not deter people from coming into church.
Most people didn't want to about the topic, but parishioners say they hope the abused can heal.
"Its a challenge....to be Catholic is a challenge," one said.
Mass went on as normal at St. Mary Cathedral in Lansing Friday. Inside, Bishop Earl Boyea leading a prayer for the victims.
"My first response is just that I'm sorry. All I can do is apologize," Bishop Earl Boyea said. "It happened before my time, but I feel the pain that they've experienced and I can only apologize for that."
Parishioners like Marnee Wohlfert joined in prayer.
"It doesn't shake me in my conviction of being Catholic and of really loving the church, but it's saying that the church is made up of a lot of broken members, and that's true," she said.
An estimated 2.8% of Diocese of Lansing priests have been credibly accused of abusing a minor since 1937. Wohlfert is glad the church is taking some responsibility, and trying to make amends.
"There's some anger and frustration there too, but it's kind of a reminder that we are all human. When these things happen they need to be dealt with seriously."
She believes being Catholic is a "gift" and says there's still a lot of good in the church, which is why something like this hits so a hard.
"It's very sad. It's very disheartening and very sad. Both because what all of the victims have gone through, but also just to know that these people who have been called to be leaders and fathers are causing this kind of damage," she added.
The church has resources for survivors of the abuse. You can find them here.
To see the press release, click here.
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