KALAMAZOO, MI (December 16, 2024): The Diocese of Kalamazoo offers the following statement in light of the release today of the Michigan Attorney General’s report on the Diocese of Lansing’s handling of clergy sexual abuse cases*: “The Diocese of Kalamazoo would like to acknowledge that the Michigan Attorney General’s report for the Diocese of Lansing includes two priests who served in the area that is now the Diocese of Kalamazoo. One of those is Robert Gerl. He is already on the diocesan list of those disqualified from working with children or youth. The other priest is Chester Tomasweski (deceased). He is alleged to have committed abuse before the Diocese of Kalamazoo was founded. He has now been placed on the diocesan list in recognition that the effects of disqualifying and prohibiting actions remain even after the offender has died.

Today the Michigan Attorney General released the third report on the investigation into the handling of clergy sexual abuse cases for the seven Catholic dioceses in the state of Michigan. The Attorney General’s office first launched the investigation on September 21, 2018. Previously released reports include the Diocese of Marquette, October 27, 2022 and the Diocese of Gaylord, January 8, 2024.

In conjunction with the nationally observed Child Abuse Prevention Month held every April, the Diocese of Kalamazoo announces today that it is undertaking a thorough review and updating of all its policies protecting children and youth. A final and complete updated set of policies is expected this summer, but the first significant element was revealed today in the publication of a list of individuals disqualified from working with children or youth.