Theodore E. McCarrick was ordained as a priest for the Archdiocese of New York on June 15, 1958. Shortly thereafter, he began his career in the church, with claims of sexual abuse following him through much of his ecclesiastical ascent. One of the earliest individuals to allege abuse, James Grein, later claimed that McCarrick had molested him during his childhood.
McCarrick's Rise in the Church
McCarrick’s career within the church progressed steadily over the years. In 1969, he was reportedly appointed assistant secretary of education for the Archdiocese of New York, and by 1977, he became an auxiliary bishop for the archdiocese. Throughout his rise, however, multiple allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct, both with minors and adults, emerged against him.
One of the most serious allegations came from a seminarian, who allegedly claimed he was sexually abused by McCarrick during the 1980s. McCarrick’s position of power is said to have allowed him to shield these allegations, with many reportedly going unaddressed for years. The church’s failure to take action would later come under intense scrutiny.
The Cardinal's Public Role
In 2001, McCarrick was appointed Archbishop of Washington and subsequently elevated to Cardinal by Pope John Paul II. His public stature continued to grow, and he was reportedly involved in drafting the “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People” in 2002, a document aimed at addressing the sexual abuse crisis within the Catholic Church. However, McCarrick’s involvement in the crisis allegedly deepened as additional claims continued to surface.
Despite the increasing allegations, McCarrick publicly supported policies designed to remove clergy members accused of abuse, yet he remained in his influential position until 2018.
McCarrick’s Removal and Aftermath
In 2018, McCarrick was removed from public ministry following multiple allegations of sexual abuse. After an investigation, the Vatican reportedly defrocked McCarrick in 2019, removing him from the clerical state. The case against him has left a lasting impact on the church, raising questions about its accountability and its handling of sexual abuse allegations.
On April 3, 2025, McCarrick passed away at the age of 94 in Missouri. His death has drawn renewed attention to the sexual abuse crisis within the Catholic Church and the institution’s failures to protect its vulnerable members over the years.
Have You Been Affected by Abuse in the Church?
If you or someone you know has been affected by abuse in a religious institution, it’s important to know that support and legal resources are available. Helping Survivors can assist you in understanding your rights and exploring your options for seeking justice. Reach out today for confidential support and to understand your options.
