By Ken Kolker
The Grand Rapids Press
West Michigan Catholic leaders paid $75,000 last year to settle a local man’s accusation that a priest molested him when he was a young adult.
The Rev. Richard Lawie, a parish priest at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Jenison, announced to parishioners on Sunday that he was involved in an “inappropriate” relationship with a man, but indicated it was consensual. The man did not pursue criminal charges.
The payment — part of a $90,000 settlement that included $15,000 from the priest — is the only one confirmed by the Grand Rapids diocese that involves alleged sexual abuse of an adult. The diocese last year acknowledged paying more than $1 million in cases involving minors.
Lawie, 59, told parishioners about the settlement during his homily on Sunday. He made the disclosure to explain his side to parishioners, in anticipation of an article being prepared by The Press.
