Clergy Abuse In Montana Boarding Schools & Reservations

In December 2018, a Jesuit order released a document highlighting child sexual abuse in its ranks. The Jesuits West Province of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits West) — a Catholic religious order — released a detailed list. This list publicly named dozens of priests and brothers credibly accused of child sexual abuse. Many of these abusive clergy members were assigned to Native American reservations and associated boarding schools.

Unlike some lists released by Catholic dioceses, this list includes the employment histories of the accused. In this case, the employment histories show a unique aspect of clergy abuse in Montana. Catholic church leaders in Montana regularly engaged in what is known as “priest shuffling.”

In Montana, abusive priests were often transferred to assignments on Native American reservations. This practice further endangered an already vulnerable American minority group.

The Jesuit Report Names Dozens Of Abusive Priests In Montana

In an effort for transparency, the Jesuits West released a list of Jesuits accused of child sex abuse. The list dates back to abuse that occurred in the 1950s.

Some clergy members on the list were previously identified in bankruptcy documents filed by dioceses in the region. Out of 111 names, 31 of the credibly abusive Jesuits worked in Montana. According to the work histories, many of these priests worked in multiple locations in the state.

Much of the abuse documented by the list took place on Native American reservations. Jesuits typically staffed Catholic parishes or schools on Native American reservations. But, these reservations soon became the opportune place to hide abusive priests.

Abusive Priests Often Assigned To Native American Reservations

In Montana and across the Pacific Northwest, abusive priests were often assigned to Native American reservations. It was so common, some people refer to these reservations as “dumping grounds” for sexually abusive clergy.

Montana reservations served as frequent dumping grounds for abusive priests because:

• Reservations in Montana are typically located in remote, rural communities. For perspective, Montana is the country’s fourth-largest state. But, it ranks ninth on the list of least populated states.
• A significant power imbalance existed between Native Americans and priests in these communities. Because of this, victims were less inclined to report abuse.

Sexual abuse also took place within Catholic boarding schools and day schools on reservations.

Justice For Montana Clergy Abuse Victims

Nothing can repair the damage caused by these abusive Jesuits. However, some survivors have found solace from the litigation process and compensation. There have been several significant settlements and compensation opportunities for Montana victims. The most notable settlements include:

• In 2009, the Oregon Province of the Jesuits paid $166,100,000 to more than 500 victims of clergy abuse as part of a bankruptcy settlement. The Oregon Province of the Jesuits is now part of Jesuits West Province.
• In 2014, the Helena Diocese paid $21,000,000 to more than 300 victims as part of a bankruptcy settlement.
• In 2017, the Great Falls-Billings Diocese paid $20,000,000 to 86 victims in a bankruptcy settlement.