Survivors of Catholic Clergy Abuse in Massachusetts Demand Accountability

Victims call for release of long-delayed investigation into dioceses outside Boston

Mar. 11, 2026 at 9:56am

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Survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy in Massachusetts are demanding the release of an investigation into the dioceses of Worcester, Springfield, and Fall River, which has been delayed for years. While the Massachusetts attorney general's investigation into the Boston Archdiocese was made public in 2003, the investigation into the other dioceses has never been released, leaving victims feeling "invisible." Survivors like Skip Shea and Cyndi MacKenzie have been pushing for the report's release, hoping it will provide validation and a path to healing.

Why it matters

The release of investigative reports in other states has led to changes in church policies and state laws to better protect children and support victims seeking justice. Some investigations have also resulted in criminal charges. Survivors in Massachusetts are seeking the same level of accountability and transparency, which they believe could help save lives by providing recognition and access to resources.

The details

The Rhode Island attorney general's recent investigation into decades of child sexual abuse by Catholic clergy prompted victims in Massachusetts to renew their calls for a similar report in their state. While the Boston Archdiocese investigation was made public in 2003, the probe into the Worcester, Springfield, and Fall River dioceses has never been released. Survivors like Skip Shea and Cyndi MacKenzie have been pushing for the report's release since 2018, providing information to investigators, but have yet to see any results. They believe the report's publication could validate their experiences and lead to policy changes and support for victims.

  • In 2003, the Massachusetts attorney general's investigation into the Boston Archdiocese was made public.
  • In 2018, survivors like Skip Shea began asking the Massachusetts attorney general's office for an investigation into the other dioceses.
  • In 2019, Shea wrote to then-Attorney General Maura Healey requesting a grand jury investigation into all Massachusetts dioceses.
  • In September 2021, Shea and David Lewcon met with investigators from the attorney general's office.
  • In 2023, a victim witness advocate told Shea the office hoped to release a report within 30 days, but that was three years ago.

The players

Skip Shea

A 66-year-old survivor of abuse in the Worcester Diocese who has been asking the Massachusetts attorney general's office for an investigation since 2018.

Ann Hagan Webb

A 73-year-old survivor who was sexually abused by her pastor starting at age 5 and said the church's denial of what happened "has haunted me in ways I cannot begin to describe."

David Lewcon

A 71-year-old survivor who was molested by one of the same priests who abused Shea, at St. Mary Church in Uxbridge, starting when Lewcon was 16 years old.

Cyndi MacKenzie

A 61-year-old survivor who was abused by her priest from the Notre Dame Church in Southbridge starting at age 4, and has since led support groups for others abused by priests.

Maura Healey

The current Governor of Massachusetts, who was the state's attorney general when Shea first requested an investigation in 2018.

Andrea Campbell

The current Massachusetts attorney general, who stated that her office is taking steps to share the full extent of their work with the public regarding the investigation into the dioceses outside Boston.

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What they’re saying

“This report finally declared me credible. The church's denial of what happened 'has haunted me in ways I cannot begin to describe.'”

— Ann Hagan Webb

“My question is why don't we have a grand jury investigation into all the dioceses in Massachusetts? Not just Boston. Some of us may find a small piece of justice.”

— Skip Shea, Survivor

“The fact that they did it and there was never a follow up... It's just another kind of violation as far as I'm concerned.”

— David Lewcon, Survivor

“Why can't we see it? Those of us who are affected by these crimes should be able to see it. At least law enforcement will validate what happened to me.”

— Cyndi MacKenzie, Survivor

“I do believe it would save lives. Because I think someone might get help because they've been recognized, they've been seen. And right now, everyone is invisible.”

— Skip Shea, Survivor

What’s next

The Massachusetts attorney general's office has stated it is taking steps to share the full extent of its work with the public regarding the investigation into the dioceses outside Boston, but has not provided a timeline for the report's release.

The takeaway

The delayed release of the investigation into the Worcester, Springfield, and Fall River dioceses has left survivors of clergy abuse in Massachusetts feeling invisible and denied the validation and path to healing that public reports have provided in other states. Survivors are demanding accountability and transparency, believing the report's publication could lead to policy changes, support for victims, and potentially even criminal charges.