Profile Facts
- Name
- Brian Bjorklund
- Role
- Priest
- Diocese
- Archdiocese of Detroit
- Ordained
- 1966
- Status
- Accused
- Died
- 9/25/2007
- Records
- Diocesan and public records
Father Brian Bjorklund’s case is unusual: removed from active ministry in 2003 after abuse allegations, he was reinstated as a priest in 2004 when the Vatican ruled the alleged conduct did not constitute a canonical crime under the law in effect at the time, though a review board had found the charge substantive. Ordained in 1966, the Navy chaplain died in 2007. The clergy sexual abuse lawyers at White Law PLLC explain the record below.
A church tribunal’s canonical ruling is not a civil court’s verdict. Survivors should understand that reinstatement by the Vatican does not determine their rights under Michigan law.
Sexual Abuse in the Archdiocese of Detroit
Michigan’s seven Catholic dioceses, the Archdiocese of Detroit plus Gaylord, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Marquette, and Saginaw, were all subject to the Attorney General’s clergy abuse investigation beginning in 2018. White Law PLLC represents survivors across the state as a Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer.
Military chaplains like Bjorklund served populations far from their home diocese, which can complicate both reporting and record-keeping. Our attorneys are experienced at tracing assignments across diocesan and military lines.
The Allegations Against Father Brian Bjorklund
Where He Served
Bjorklund was ordained in 1966 and served as a Navy chaplain. He was removed from active ministry in 2003 after allegations that he abused a male minor in the early years of his priesthood. No criminal charges were filed. A review board found the charge substantive, but in February 2004 the Vatican reinstated him as an active priest, ruling that under the canon law in place in 1975–1976, the alleged action did not constitute the crime of sexual abuse of a minor under 16. The Navy declined to take him back. He died on September 25, 2007.
What Was Reported
published diocesan records reports the allegation involved abuse of a male minor early in Bjorklund’s priesthood. The diocesan review board deemed the charge substantive, yet the Vatican’s canonical ruling led to reinstatement. With his death in 2007, criminal prosecution can no longer occur, but the review board’s substantive finding remains part of the documented record available to survivors pursuing civil claims.
Criminal vs. Civil Sexual Abuse Cases
Criminal Cases
No criminal charges were ever filed against Bjorklund. Criminal cases require prosecutors to act within the law’s deadlines, and his death in 2007 forecloses any future prosecution, he is no longer alive for anyone to pursue criminal charges against him.
Civil Lawsuits
Civil lawsuits operate under different standards than church tribunals or criminal courts. A survivor’s claim for damages does not depend on a canonical finding of guilt, and the review board’s substantive-charge determination may support a case against the archdiocese.
Statute of Limitations on Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases in Michigan
Michigan Legislature §600.5805 allows civil sexual abuse lawsuits within ten years, or until the victim turns 28, whichever is later. First-degree criminal sexual conduct carries no statute of limitations in Michigan.
Church internal proceedings and civil courts answer different questions. Survivors should not treat a Vatican reinstatement as the final word on their legal rights.
View All Accused Clergy in Michigan
Pursue Justice With Help From White Law PLLC
An archdiocese that returns an accused priest to ministry after a substantive finding may face liability for negligent supervision and endangerment. Survivors can seek damages for medical and therapy costs, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
To discuss your options, contact White Law PLLC at (517) 316-1195 or . Free consultations, complete confidentiality, and no fee unless we win.
Profiles summarize published records and allegations. Inclusion does not constitute a legal finding.