Peoria Diocese Sued Over Alleged Decades-Long Priest Abuse

A lawsuit has been filed against the Catholic Diocese of Peoria by Michael Eckert, who alleges he was sexually abused by Father Thomas Miller from the ages of 8 to 14 between 1997 and 2003 at St. Vincent de Paul Parish. Eckert's attorneys argue that the diocese was negligent in allowing Miller to be alone with children and accuse it of a longstanding cover-up of abuse allegations dating back to 1946. The lawsuit cites a 2023 Illinois Attorney General report highlighting over 50 instances of bishops receiving reports of sexual abuse and inadequate handling of such allegations by the diocese. Eckert's claims are part of a broader pattern of abuse, with 53 clergy members previously accused of sexual misconduct in the area. Bishop Louis Tylka has stated that the diocese takes accusations seriously and is committed to cooperating with civil authorities for investigations. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages, highlighting the ongoing issues of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church in the region.