Former priest accused of abuse
DETROIT — A former priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit who was laicized in 1975 has been accused of sexual abuse of minors, according to the Archdiocesan Review Board. The priest is question is Richard R. Lauinger, 85, who was ordained in 1956 and laicized at his own request in 1975. According to the Archdiocesan Review Board, which investigates allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct, said the allegations against Lauinger were “found to be credible.” Lauinger’s parish assignments included serving as associate pastor at Our Lady of Sorrows, Farmington; Christ the King, Detroit; Shrine of the Little Flower, Royal Oak; St. Eugene, Detroit; and as co-pastor of St. Margaret of Scotland, St. Clair Shores. The Archdiocese of Detroit places no deadlines or time limits on reporting the sexual abuse of minors by priests, deacons, and other church personnel. To bring forward a complaint and/or to speak to the Victim Assistance Coordinator contact (866) 343-8055 or [email protected].
Teens invited to pro-life conference
FARMINGTON HILLS — Teenagers from across the Archdiocese of Detroit are invited to the 10th annual Building Bridges to a Culture of Life conference April 9 at Mercy High School in Farmington Hills. The pro-life conference will feature speakers including Brice and Zoe Griffin, Rebecca Kiessling, Le’yandria Murray and Christen Pollo addressing topics including pro-life apologetics, mental health awareness, abortion and mercy, theology of the body and personal experiences. The conference’s theme is “Unconditional Love: It’s Worth Celebrating.” The conference begins at noon and finishes with a concert at 7 p.m. Cost is $15 with a group or $20 for individuals, which includes a T-shirt. Visit www.prolifeyouth.com or call (313) 237-4691.
Archbishop Vigneron joins social media
DETROIT — Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron has joined the world of social media, launching Facebook, Twitter and Instagram feeds in an effort to better engage with the faithful of the Archdiocese of Detroit, he said. In his first Facebook post March 20, the archbishop wrote, “I am happy to be on Facebook to help bring the Gospel to the digital world. Hosanna in the highest!” The archbishop also included a hashtag, #ResurgetDetroit, which is being used to promote the archdiocese’s evangelization initiative and upcoming synod. Archbishop Vigneron also launched a Twitter handle, @DetArchbishop, and Instagram feed, “DetroitArchbishop,” on the same day. As of press time, Archbishop Vigneron had 765 Facebook followers, 179 Twitter followers and 112 Instagram followers.
