Profile Facts
- Name
- John Donald Slowey
- Role
- Priest
- Diocese
- Diocese of Lansing
- Ordained
- 1940
- Status
- Settled
- Died
- 1/13/1983
- Records
- Diocesan and public records
White Law PLLC’s clergy sexual abuse lawyers represent survivors of abuse by Father John Donald Slowey across Michigan. Below is a summary of the public record on the allegations against him.
Below, we summarize Father Slowey’s assignments, the reported abuse, and the legal options Michigan survivors still have. Because he died on 1/13/1983, criminal prosecution of him is no longer possible. Survivors may still bring a civil claim, and White Law PLLC can evaluate the options.
Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Lansing
The accusations against Father John Donald Slowey arose within the Diocese of Lansing, one of seven dioceses statewide. The seven, Detroit, Gaylord, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Marquette, and Saginaw, span the state where Father Slowey served.
The 2018 Attorney General investigation into clergy sexual abuse pulled records from dioceses across the entire state, shedding light on cases such as Father Slowey’s. What investigators uncovered makes legal guidance essential, and a Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer can assess whether the Diocese of Lansing bears responsibility for what Father Slowey is reported to have done.
The Allegations Against Father John Donald Slowey
Where He Served
Monsignor John Donald Slowey, ordained in 1940, was the first director of Catholic Social Services in Lansing, director of St. Vincent Children’s Home, director of the Cuban Refugee Program, founder of Michigan Big Brothers, Inc., and a parish priest. He died on January 13, 1983.
Settlement and Reports
On August 24, 2010, an attorney announced that a claim of sexual abuse of a boy against Slowey and the Diocese of Lansing had been settled for $225,000. The alleged abuse occurred when the plaintiff was 5 or 6 years old and living at St. Vincent Children’s Home in the mid-1950s. The diocese said it was the only allegation against Slowey, that it could not verify the claims, but that it settled to cover ‘healing expenses.’ In November 2011, another man told the diocese that Slowey had sexually abused him multiple times when he was about 4 years old at St. Vincent Home, and said Slowey abused other children as well. Slowey appears on the diocese’s list of credibly accused clergy (September 27, 2019), which notes multiple allegations, and in the Michigan Attorney General’s December 16, 2024 report on the Diocese of Lansing. Published accounts of Monsignor Slowey tracks the settlement and the subsequent reports in its accused-clergy database.
Criminal vs. Civil Sexual Abuse Cases
Abuse by a member of the clergy can trigger two separate legal processes, a criminal case and a civil lawsuit, and both may matter to survivors of Father Slowey. Criminal courts decide guilt and impose sentences; civil courts decide liability and award damages to survivors, including survivors of Father Slowey.
Criminal Prosecution
Prosecutors decide whether to file criminal charges connected to Father Slowey, and a conviction can bring prison time, fines, and registration, though never payment to the survivor.
Civil Claims for Damages
A civil lawsuit by a survivor of Father Slowey is filed by the survivor, uses the lower ‘preponderance of the evidence’ standard, and can result in money damages.
Statute of Limitations on Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases in Michigan
Under Michigan Compiled Laws §600.5805, civil claims for childhood sexual abuse are generally subject to a ten-year limitations period, running until the survivor turns 28, the rule that governs claims against Father Slowey.
Michigan places no time limit on first-degree criminal sexual conduct charges. Given how trauma and suppressed memories can postpone disclosure, survivors abused by Father Slowey decades ago should still seek advice.
View All Accused Clergy in Michigan
Pursue Justice With Help From White Law PLLC
Beyond his estate, survivors can pursue the institutions that put him in contact with children. Where the Diocese of Lansing knew or should have known about Father Slowey, failed to act, hid the truth, or failed to screen and train, it may share legal responsibility.
Compensation for survivors of Father Slowey may include medical and therapy expenses, damages for pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Reach White Law PLLC at (517) 316-1195 or in person at .
Profiles summarize published records and allegations. Inclusion does not constitute a legal finding.