GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Michigan's top prosecutor is investigating sex abuse allegations by Catholic priests across the state, dating back to 1950.
The investigation comes as the clergy sex abuse scandal is garnering both national and international attention. The state Attorney General office is investigating sexual misconduct in all seven Catholic dioceses in Michigan.
The investigation will also include any allegations related to the cover up of sexual abuse or assault.
The Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo Catholic Dioceses have released statements welcoming this investigation by the AG's office. They say they are committed to protecting children and have been following policies and training since 2002, which is when the last clergy related sex abuse was reported, to recognize and report predatory behavior.
Now, a nationwide organization called SNAP, Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, is calling for more states to do the same.
"We've seen indications that there is 11 other states that are in the process of doing a state-wide investigations," SNAP Michigan chapter president Tim Lennon said.
Lennon is the temporary president of SNAP's Michigan chapter and is the current president of the entire organization.
"I honor the attorney general of Michigan for taking this action and the people of Michigan supporting this action, it's necessary to protect our children, protect our community," Lennon said.
He believes we can no longer count on churches to be transparent.
"We can no longer rely on the church to be honest with us," Lennon said. "That's why Pennsylvania exposed to the world this systemic and historic sexual abuse of thousands of children by hundreds of priests."
SNAP is calling for every state to follow Pennsylvania and now Michigan's lead.
"We welcome these investigations, because they're independent they have subpoena power, they have the ability to compel testimony under oath," Lennon said.
He says for decades, sexual abuse victims have been silenced.
"For children, they're sometimes disciplined, they're mouths washed out with soap 'How dare you say that about an uncle, a neighbor, a priest, a minister,'" Lennon said. "The church is a powerful institution and sometimes prosecutors, district attorneys, police are intimidated or seduced by the power of the church."
Lennon says he has a meeting with California's attorney general to discuss launching a similar investigation.
"The parishioners need to decide what kind of church they want, but we don't' rely on the church to give us the truth, we don't rely on the church to protect our children," Lennon said.
The Michigan AG's Office has set up a tip line for anyone who wants to report information about sexual abuse or cover up within the Catholic church. The number is 844-324-3374. Information can also be submitted online.
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