One of the most troubling cases of clergy abuse involves Father Edmund Borycz, a former priest in the Archdiocese of Detroit, who served in several parishes, including St. Michael Parish and Cyril of Jerusalem Parish. Over time, multiple allegations of sexual abuse involving minors were made against Father Borycz, leading to his removal from active ministry.
Although Borycz was eventually placed on permanent inactive status and barred from public ministry, his victims have continued to suffer the long-term effects of his actions.
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we stand with survivors of clergy abuse, offering compassionate legal representation and a path to justice and compensation. Our Detroit clergy abuse attorneys are dedicated to helping survivors hold the responsible parties accountable.
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Father Edmund Borycz’s Background
Edmund Borycz began his ministry in the Archdiocese of Detroit, where he was ordained a Roman Catholic priest. Throughout his career, he served in multiple parishes, including St. Michael Parish and Cyril of Jerusalem Parish, where he was an associate priest and pastor.
In addition to his parish duties, Borycz also provided services to military personnel, offering spiritual guidance and counseling to members of the armed forces.
For many years, Borycz was regarded as a respected member of the clergy, entrusted with the spiritual welfare of his parishioners. However, despite his outward appearance as a devoted priest, allegations of sexual abuse involving minors began to surface. Survivors later revealed that the abuse occurred while Borycz was actively serving in various parishes.
Allegations Against Father Edmund Borycz
The allegations against Father Edmund Borycz involve serious accusations of sexual assault and inappropriate contact with minors. Survivors reported incidents of abuse during church-related activities and within parish settings, where Borycz was in a position of authority and trust.
Victims described how Borycz exploited his role as a priest to gain access to vulnerable children, using his influence to silence them.
The reported abuse took place at multiple locations, including Cyril of Jerusalem Parish and St. Michael Parish, where Borycz served for several years. According to survivors, the abuse caused long-lasting trauma, with many victims experiencing emotional distress, anxiety, and difficulty in trusting authority figures.
In response to these allegations, the Archdiocese of Detroit placed Borycz on administrative leave, barring him from performing public ministry duties while investigations were conducted. Despite this action, critics argue that the church’s response was delayed and insufficient, allowing more victims to be harmed before any meaningful steps were taken.
Legal Proceedings and Investigations
The case of Father Edmund Borycz highlights the challenges survivors of clergy abuse face in seeking justice. Despite serious allegations of sexual abuse involving minors, Father Borycz never faced significant criminal charges during his lifetime.
The Archdiocese of Detroit conducted internal investigations, eventually resulting in his removal from active ministry and placement on permanent inactive status. However, these measures left many survivors feeling that the church prioritized institutional protection over accountability.
Although numerous allegations of abuse were made, Father Borycz was never prosecuted in a criminal court. The survivors’ claims involved incidents that allegedly occurred years earlier, making it difficult for authorities to bring charges due to statute of limitations laws in effect at the time.
These legal constraints, coupled with the Archdiocese’s delayed response, prevented Borycz from facing the full weight of the justice system.
Although Father Borycz never faced criminal charges, survivors of his abuse can still seek justice through civil lawsuits. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we help survivors hold clergy members accountable and the institutions that protected them.
Our attorneys are experienced in handling cases involving credibly accused priests in Michigan, and we are committed to securing compensation for survivors who suffered due to his actions.
Institutional Responsibility and Cover-Ups
The Archdiocese of Detroit has faced criticism for handling Father Edmund Borycz’s case. Survivors and advocacy groups argue that the church failed to act swiftly when initial allegations were made, potentially allowing further abuse to occur.
Although the Archdiocese eventually removed Borycz from active ministry and placed him permanently inactive, survivors believe more could have been done to protect children. Many victims have expressed frustration with the church’s response, feeling that their suffering was overlooked in favor of preserving the institution’s reputation.
In recent years, the Archdiocese of Detroit has introduced policies aimed at preventing future clergy abuse and supporting survivors. These measures include mandatory reporting of abuse allegations, increased background checks for clergy members, and support programs for victims.
However, critics argue that these changes came too late for many survivors, who were left to deal with the trauma on their own.
Legal Options for Survivors
Survivors of clergy abuse have several legal options available to seek justice, accountability, and compensation for the harm they have suffered. Legal avenues include both criminal and civil actions, each serving distinct purposes.
A criminal case against an abuser is initiated by the state to hold the perpetrator accountable for their actions through penalties such as imprisonment, probation, or registration as a sex offender. However, one of the significant challenges with criminal cases is the statute of limitations.
While many states have extended or removed statutes of limitations for child sexual abuse crimes in recent years, some cases involving older abuse may still be time-barred from prosecution.
Civil lawsuits allow survivors to seek financial compensation for the harm they endured. Civil claims can be brought not only against the perpetrator but also against the institution responsible for supervising or employing the abuser if they fail to take appropriate action to prevent abuse. In cases involving clergy abuse, this may include dioceses, religious orders, or other church organizations.
How Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers Can Help
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we have extensive experience representing survivors of clergy abuse. Our team has successfully handled numerous cases involving credibly accused priests and church institutions, including the Archdiocese of Detroit.
We understand the sensitive nature of clergy abuse cases and are dedicated to providing compassionate, effective legal representation. Our Michigan clergy abuse attorneys are committed to helping survivors seek justice and financial compensation for their endured harm.
Secure Expert Legal Counsel!
If you or someone you love was a victim of Father Edmund Borycz’s abuse, don’t wait to seek justice. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers are here to help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation for your suffering.
Call us at (888) 424-5757 or fill out our contact form to book a free, confidential consultation with a clergy abuse lawyer. You deserve justice, and we are here to fight for you.
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