Father Peter Van Der Linden Sexual Abuse Allegations | Injury Lawyer Team

Father Peter Van der Linden, a former priest in the Archdiocese of Detroit, has been credibly accused of sexual misconduct involving minors. Over the years, allegations of sexual abuse emerged from multiple parishes where Van der Linden served, prompting investigations by both the church and civil authorities.

Although Father Van der Linden was eventually permanently removed from public ministry, survivors of his abuse continue to seek justice and accountability.

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we understand the sensitive nature of clergy abuse cases. Our Detroit clergy abuse attorney team offers compassionate support and aggressive representation to help survivors secure the compensation they deserve. We are dedicated to holding both individual abusers and the institutions that enabled them accountable.

Father Peter Van der Linden’s Background

Father Peter Van der Linden was ordained as a Catholic priest in the Archdiocese of Detroit, serving in various parishes across Michigan, including:

• Holy Innocents Parish in Roseville;
• St. Mary Parish in Port Huron;
• St. Joseph Parish in Marine City;
• St. Stephen Parish in Port Huron;
• St. Gregory Parish in Detroit;
• St. Mark Parish in Warren;
• St. Damian Parish in Westland;
• Guadalupe Mission in Clinton Township.

During his early years as a priest, Van der Linden was also assigned to Cardinal Mooney High School and Bishop Borgess High School, where he worked closely with students. As an associate pastor and later a pastor, he was trusted with the spiritual guidance of parishioners, including children and young adults.

Despite his outward appearance as a dedicated clergy member, allegations later surfaced that Van der Linden had engaged in sexual misconduct dating back decades. Survivors claimed that Van der Linden sexually abused minors during his time at various parishes, leading to serious concerns about how the Archdiocese of Detroit handled the initial reports of abuse.

Allegations Against Father Peter Van der Linden

The allegations against Peter Van der Linden involve credible allegations of sexual abuse spanning several years. Survivors reported that Van der Linden used his position of authority as a priest to gain access to vulnerable children. Several victims described being sexually abused during church-related activities, including parish events and school functions.

In one alarming incident, Van der Linden was accused of inappropriate behavior while serving at St. Joseph Parish in Marine City. Similar allegations later emerged from his time at St. Mary Parish in Port Huron and Holy Innocents Parish in Roseville.

As reports of abuse continued to surface, the Archdiocesan Communications Office issued a statement confirming that a substantive allegation of sexual misconduct had been made against Van der Linden. Following an internal investigation, the church concluded that the allegations were credible and referred the matter to county prosecutors.

Legal Proceedings and Investigations

In response to the allegations, the Archdiocese of Detroit placed Father Peter Van der Linden on medical leave and prohibited him from engaging in public ministry. The church’s internal investigation, which involved a review by the archdiocesan review board, found that the evidence supported the claims of sexual misconduct.

Church officials, including Ned McGrath, spokesperson for the Archdiocese, confirmed that Van der Linden had been permanently removed from public ministry and was no longer permitted to serve as a priest. The investigation concluded canonically, meaning that Van der Linden could no longer perform priestly functions or represent the church in any capacity.

Despite the church’s actions, survivors and advocates criticized the Archdiocese of Detroit for failing to act sooner. Many believe that earlier intervention could have prevented further abuse and spared additional victims from harm.

Civil authorities were also involved in investigating the allegations. County prosecutors reviewed the evidence provided by the church but ultimately faced challenges in pursuing criminal charges due to the statute of limitations. Although no charges were filed in some cases, the investigations brought renewed attention to the issue of clergy abuse in Michigan.

Institutional Responsibility and Cover-Ups

The Archdiocese of Detroit’s handling of the allegations against Father Van der Linden has been scrutinized for its lack of transparency and delayed public disclosure.

Although he was removed from ministry in 1993, the Archdiocese did not publicly announce the reasons for his removal until 2002. This delay raises concerns about the Archdiocese’s commitment to protecting parishioners and preventing further abuse.

Furthermore, Father Van der Linden’s ability to work part-time at Cardinal Mooney High School in 1993 despite being on medical leave suggests potential lapses in oversight and enforcement of restrictions imposed on accused clergy members.

In response to widespread criticism, many dioceses have taken steps to improve transparency and accountability in recent years. The Archdiocese of Detroit, for example, has published a list of Michigan clergy members with credible allegations of abuse. Father Van der Linden’s name and information about his removal from ministry and subsequent laicization appear on this list.

While these efforts represent progress, they often come too late for many survivors, who spent years waiting for acknowledgment and justice. Survivors deserve timely and transparent responses from the institutions responsible for their protection.

Legal Options for Survivors

Survivors of clergy abuse have several legal avenues to seek justice and compensation:

• Criminal Prosecution: Reporting the abuse to law enforcement can lead to criminal charges against the perpetrator. However, depending on the jurisdiction and the time elapsed since the abuse occurred, statutes of limitations may affect the ability to prosecute.
• Civil Lawsuits: Survivors can file civil lawsuits against the abuser and potentially the supervising institution for damages related to the abuse, including emotional distress, medical expenses, and lost wages.
• Compensation Funds: Some dioceses have established compensation funds for clergy abuse survivors. These funds may provide financial compensation without the need for litigation.

It’s important to consult with experienced clergy abuse lawyers to understand the best course of action based on individual circumstances. Our legal team is dedicated to holding both individual abusers and the institutions that enabled them accountable.

How Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers Can Help

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we understand the unique challenges faced by survivors of clergy abuse. Our Michigan clergy abuse attorney team is committed to providing compassionate, effective legal representation to help survivors hold their abusers accountable and secure the compensation they deserve.

We provide compassionate, confidential legal representation and work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing unless we secure a recovery on your behalf.

Secure Expert Legal Counsel!

If you or someone you love was sexually abused by Father Peter Van der Linden or another clergy member, don’t wait to seek justice. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers are ready to help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation for the harm you’ve suffered.

Call us at (888) 424-5757 or fill out our contact form to book a free, confidential consultation with a clergy sex abuse lawyer. We are here to fight for you and ensure your voice is heard.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.