Profile Facts
- Name
- Laurus R. Rhode
- Role
- Priest
- Diocese
- Diocese of Gaylord
- Order
- OFM
- Ordained
- 1945
- Status
- Accused
- Died
- 8/29/1995
- Records
- Diocesan and public records
Religious-order priests answer to both a diocese and an order, which can complicate a survivor’s search for answers. The clergy sexual abuse lawyers at White Law PLLC understand these structures and pursue every responsible party on Michigan survivors’ behalf.
Father Laurus R. Rhode was a Franciscan (OFM) ordained in 1945 who served in the Diocese of Gaylord before being returned to his order in 1993. He was named as accused on the diocese’s 2018 list and in the Michigan Attorney General’s 2024 Gaylord report. This page summarizes the reported facts and Michigan legal options.
Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Gaylord
The Diocese of Gaylord is one of seven Catholic dioceses serving Michigan, together with the Archdiocese of Detroit and the Dioceses of Grand Rapids, Saginaw, Lansing, Kalamazoo, and Marquette. When the Michigan Attorney General’s office launched its statewide clergy-abuse investigation in 2018, the resulting January 2024 Gaylord report documented allegations against Rhode.
Survivors assisted by a Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer can pursue claims against both the diocese and the religious order, since both may share responsibility for a priest’s supervision.
The Allegations Against Father Laurus R. Rhode
Returned to His Order
Published records indicate that Rhode was first named publicly as accused on the Diocese of Gaylord’s list on November 10, 2018. The diocese noted that he had been removed and returned to his Franciscan order in 1993. He died on August 29, 1995.
Franciscan List
The Michigan Attorney General’s January 8, 2024 Gaylord report documented that Rhode was accused of inappropriate hugging and of kissing and fondling girls as young as age 6. He was also included on the Franciscans’ Our Lady of Guadalupe list of credibly accused priests as of January 2024, as a member of the Sacred Heart Province. Because Rhode died in 1995, criminal charges are no longer possible, but civil claims against his estate, his order, or the diocese may still be available.
Criminal vs. Civil Sexual Abuse Cases
The criminal justice system and the civil justice system offer survivors different forms of redress. Criminal cases, brought by prosecutors, can result in imprisonment. Civil cases, brought by survivors, can result in monetary compensation for medical costs, suffering, and emotional harm. The two proceed independently of one another.
Both dioceses and religious orders can face civil liability where their officials knew or should have known of the danger, failed to prevent the abuse, concealed reports, or did not adequately screen and train the priest.
Statute of Limitations on Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases in Michigan
Michigan’s civil statute of limitations for sexual abuse claims, MCL §600.5805, generally allows ten years or until the survivor turns 28, whichever is later. First-degree criminal sexual conduct has no time limit. The generous civil window reflects the fact that trauma and memory suppression often keep survivors from reporting for a very long time.
Even so, deadlines depend on the details, so early legal counsel is the surest way to preserve a claim.
View All Accused Clergy in Michigan
Pursue Justice With Help From White Law PLLC
Survivors of abuse by Father Laurus R. Rhode or any other clergy member may recover damages for therapy and medical expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. A civil lawsuit can also compel religious orders and dioceses to confront their failures. White Law PLLC will stand beside you through the entire process.
Speak with us confidentially at (517) 316-1195. Wherever you are in Michigan, we will meet you with compassion.
Profiles summarize published records and allegations. Inclusion does not constitute a legal finding.