Allegations, Defamation, and Faith: The Father Eduard Perrone Story
Father Eduard Perrone’s life changed dramatically on July 5, 2019. Having served as a pastor for over 25 years at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM) parish in the Archdiocese of Detroit, he was suddenly thrust into the spotlight. The reason? An allegation of sexual abuse that shook the foundations of the community he had served so faithfully.
The Allegations
The Archdiocese of Detroit revealed that it had found “a semblance of truth” in an allegation against Perrone dating back to his earlier years in the priesthood. The accusations were unsettling. Perrone allegedly invited altar boys to a lake house where he would engage in wrestling matches with them in the water, sometimes crossing the line by groping them. In addition, a former altar boy came forward after Perrone’s suspension, alleging that the priest had rubbed his genitals in 1981.
The scandal thickened with other disturbing revelations. Perrone was one of the co-founders of Opus Bono Sacerdotii, an organization established in 2002 to support priests facing abuse allegations. Ironically, a woman whose father was also involved in founding the group accused Perrone of abusing boys and providing her with alcohol when she was just 12 years old. Perrone responded with a defamation lawsuit against her.
Legal Battles and Community Response
The Archdiocese sent the case to the Vatican, hoping for decisive action. However, the Vatican declined to pursue it further, leaving the community in limbo. The controversy didn’t end there. In February 2020, Perrone’s parishioners took legal action against the Archdiocese, accusing them of fabricating a rape charge against him. In a surprising turn of events, an arbitration panel concluded in July 2020 that Perrone had indeed been defamed, awarding him $125,000 in damages.
Father Perrone’s story is a vivid example of how allegations of abuse can rip communities apart. Despite his vehement denials, the accusations have cast a long shadow over his legacy. The legal battles, community support, and continued allegations have created a tangled web that is far from being fully unraveled.
The case of Father Eduard Perrone serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities involved in allegations of abuse within religious communities. It underscores the importance of transparency, accountability, and the ongoing struggle for justice, not only for the accused but also for the accusers and the communities they inhabit.
Contact the Clergy Abuse Coalition Today
For many, the story remains a painful chapter in the Archdiocese of Detroit’s history, filled with unanswered questions and a lingering sense of unease. As the community continues to grapple with the implications, one thing is clear: the road to healing and truth is long and fraught with challenges.
The Clergy Abuse Coalition is committed to seeking justice and accountability for survivors of clergy sexual abuse. With three law firms joining forces to help survivors hold abusers and the institutions responsible for their actions accountable, their advocacy and legal expertise can bring meaningful change within these religious institutions. If you are a clergy sexual abuse survivor, call our experienced team of attorneys at the Clergy Abuse Coalition today at (248) 799-7876.