For decades, headlines have chronicled the painful truth that some of the most trusted figures in our society, religious leaders, have committed acts of sexual abuse against children, teenagers, and adults. From small-town parishes to global religious institutions, the betrayal of trust by clergy members has left behind a trail of devastation for survivors and communities alike.
This blog explores clergy sexual abuse, not just in Chicago but across the county: why it happens, how it impacts victims, and what legal recourse is available—particularly for those seeking justice with the help of an experienced legal team like Sexner Injury Lawyers LLC. Our attorneys are not only actively engaged in litigation on behalf of many sexual abuse victims right now, but have already recovered many millions of dollars for past assault clients including a recent $4,000,000 sexual abuse settlement for one of our minor clients.
Priest Accused of Abuse from the 1980s
Just recently, the Archdiocese of Chicago publicly disclosed that Father Curtis Lambert, a priest serving since the 1970s, has been accused of sexually abusing a minor in the 1980s. The alleged incident took place roughly forty years ago at Sacred Heart Parish.
Lambert, 78 and originally from Oak Park Illinois, has held numerous roles—including associate pastor, pastor, and administrator—across eight city and suburban parishes believed to include:
- Alphonsus Liguori (Prospect Heights)
- Our Lady of Lourdes (Uptown)
- Basil Visitation Parish (Englewood)
- Immaculate Conception and St. Michael Parish (South Chicago)
- Mary of the Lake (North Side of Chicago)
- Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Sacred Heart and St. Eulalia Parish (Melrose Park)
- Thomas Becket Parish (Mount Prospect)
- Peter Damian (Bartlett), where he had been serving recently.
In a letter dated July 5, Cardinal Blase Cupich informed the affected parish communities about the accusation. Father Lambert has been temporarily relieved of all priestly duties, barred from ministry, and prohibited from participating in school or parish events until the conclusion of an investigation.
The Archdiocese confirmed that the allegation was promptly reported to authorities, in accordance with its child protection protocols. The alleged victim has been offered support through the Church’s Victim Assistance Ministry, and the Archdiocese has committed to reporting the findings to its Independent Review Board upon conclusion of the inquiry.
What Is Clergy Sexual Abuse?
Clergy sexual abuse occurs when a religious figure (such as a priest, minister, pastor, bishop, deacon, imam, or rabbi) engages in inappropriate sexual behavior, harassment, or exploitation - often taking advantage of their spiritual authority. This abuse may involve:
- Sexual assault or molestation
- Grooming and manipulation
- Coerced silence using shame or scripture
- Emotional or psychological control
It frequently involves minors but adult victims, and particularly vulnerable individuals seeking counseling or spiritual guidance, are also often targeted.
How Widespread Is the Problem?
Clergy abuse is not limited to any one religion or denomination. Catholic priests have received the most media scrutiny, but similar scandals have emerged in Baptist churches, Jewish institutions, evangelical congregations, and elsewhere.
A Few Notable Statistics:
- A report commissioned by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops documented over 10,000 allegations against more than 4,300 Catholic clergy in the U.S. between 1950 and 2002.
- As of 2023, over 30 dioceses in the United States have filed for bankruptcy, often due to the financial burden of sexual abuse claims.
- Some priests accused of abuse were moved from parish to parish rather than removed from ministry—allowing abuse to continue.
Examples of Sexual Abuse Accusations Against Clergy
1. Father John Geoghan (Boston, MA)
One of the most infamous cases, Geoghan was accused of molesting over 130 boys over three decades. The Boston Globe’s investigation into his case revealed a widespread cover-up by the Archdiocese of Boston, prompting national reforms and the Oscar-winning film Spotlight.
2. Father Lawrence Murphy (Milwaukee, WI)
Murphy was accused of priest molestation involving over 200 boys at a school for the deaf between 1950 and 1974. Despite internal Church investigations, he was never prosecuted and remained a priest until his death.
3. Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report
A landmark grand jury report found that over 300 Catholic priests had sexually abused more than 1,000 identifiable victims in Pennsylvania alone. The report uncovered decades of systematic cover-up and sparked nationwide calls for accountability.
4. Southern Baptist Convention
A bombshell report revealed that hundreds of pastors and leaders had been credibly accused of sexual abuse—and that church officials often ignored or minimized complaints to avoid scandal.
Examples of Clergy Sex Abuse Financial Settlements and Verdicts
Legal action against clergy and religious institutions have led to billions of dollars in settlements. Some of the most substantial payouts include:
- $660 million - Archdiocese of Los Angeles payout to 500+ survivors of Catholic clergy abuse
- $198 million - Diocese of San Diego settlement for 144 victims; forced the diocese to liquidate assets
- $166 million - Jesuit Order (Pacific NW) to over 400 Native American and Alaska Native victims
- $130 million+ - Archdiocese of Philadelphia to victims in numerous individual settlements
- $2.46 billion - Boy Scouts of America - though not clergy, this case involved thousands of victims and overlaps with religious institutions
- $200 million - Diocese of Rockville Centre settlement during bankruptcy proceedings involving hundreds of victims
Such monetary settlements generally result from civil lawsuits, not from criminal trials and experienced attorneys such as those at Sexner Injury Lawyers LLC are well equipped to fight on behalf of such victims. Because sexual assault and abuse cases usually involve statutes of limitation within which a lawsuit must be filed in order to preserve the right to sue, it’s always best to promptly speak to one of our attorneys to make sure if a deadline applies to your potential case.
Recent legislative reform in many states including Illinois has allowed survivors to file lawsuits long after the abuse occurred, so although it’s important to act quickly, don’t think that just because the abuse happened a long time ago it’s too late. In most cases, it’s not. Call us at (312) 243-9922 now to determine whether a deadline applies to your situation.
The Lasting Effects on Survivors
The trauma inflicted by clergy sexual abuse often persists for decades. Survivors may face:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Depression and anxiety
- Substance abuse and addiction
- Suicidal thoughts or actions
- Loss of faith or spiritual identity
- Strained relationships and social isolation
It is not uncommon for survivors to delay disclosure for years due to shame, fear of not being believed, or reverence for religious figures. Don’t let fear stand in the way of healing and accountability.
What Legal Options Do Survivors Have?
Survivors of clergy abuse may pursue:
1. Civil Lawsuits
Survivors can file suits against:
- The abuser (if still living)
- The religious, educational or other institution that employed or protected the abuser
- Third parties (e.g., schools or dioceses that ignored red flags)
2. Criminal Charges
In states with extended or eliminated time limits, criminal prosecution may still be possible, especially if new evidence emerges.
3. Victim Compensation Funds
Some religious organizations have established compensation programs offering confidential settlements without litigation. However, survivors should first consult our legal team to discuss your circumstances, as such offers are often unfair to the victim. These quick confidential settlements are often offered to sweep the crimes “under the rug”. Our experience has been that Sexner & Associates LLC can almost always recover far better settlement terms for our clients than anything being offered.
How Can a Clergy Abuse Law Firm Help?
Although technically possible, filing a sexual abuse lawsuit against a religious institution without a lawyer who specializes in such cases is incredibly difficult. These multi-billion-dollar institutions employ high-powered law firms to protect their assets, specifically to prevent you from obtaining any significant financial recovery. That’s why partnering with our experienced legal team is essential in clergy sexual abuse cases. No fees are ever charged until we’re successful on your behalf.
Sexner Injury Lawyers LLC can:
- Protect your identity and privacy
- Investigate historical misconduct
- Uncover institutional cover-ups
- File lawsuits within time limits before your rights expire
- Negotiate settlements or proceed to trial
- Connect you with trauma-related support services
Why Coming Forward Matters
Your voice has the power to bring about change. Even if the abuse happened years or decades ago, confidentially discussing your situation with our legal team:
- Validates your own healing
- Encourages other survivors to come forward
- Prevents future abuse
- Holds institutions accountable
Sexner Injury Lawyers LLC: Advocating for Survivors Since 1990
At Sexner Injury Lawyers LLC, we have been fighting for the rights of victims for over 35 years. We are dedicated to representing survivors of clergy sexual abuse and helping them pursue justice and healing.
Why Choose Us?
- Free, confidential consultations
- No attorney fees unless we win
- Millions recovered in verdicts and settlements
- All our clients are treated with compassion and all matters are handled confidentially
- Available 24/7, every day of the year
- Trauma-informed, survivor-focused legal support
- Our experience is vast. We represent not only clergy sexual abuse victims, but victims of sexual assault involving doctors, chiropractors, medical personnel, juvenile detention facilities, teachers, employers, entertainment & music industry players, and nursing homes
Whether the abuse occurred recently or decades ago, we’re here to help you reclaim your voice.
Final Thoughts
The clergy sexual abuse crisis is a painful reminder of the harm that unchecked power can inflict. But with accountability, reform, and survivor advocacy, there is hope.
If you or someone you love is a survivor of clergy sexual abuse, know this: you are not alone—and it’s never too late to seek justice. Contact Sexner Injury Lawyers LLC today
Your story matters. Let us help you pursue justice. Call us at (312) 243-9922. We are available 24/7.
