Profile Facts
- Name
- Richard Lauinger
- Role
- Priest
- Diocese
- Archdiocese of Detroit
- Ordained
- 1956
- Status
- Accused
- Records
- Diocesan and public records
For many survivors, seeing the name of their abuser published is the moment they realize they are not alone. If Father Richard Lauinger harmed you or a family member, the clergy sexual abuse lawyers at White Law PLLC are ready to listen in a confidential setting.
This page summarizes the reported allegations against Father Lauinger, a priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit who left the priesthood in 1975. According to published records, the archdiocese announced in March 2016 that it had received credible allegations that he sexually abused minors while in ministry, and he was later laicized. These are accusations. Survivors may discuss civil options with White Law PLLC confidentially.
Sexual Abuse in the Archdiocese of Detroit
The Archdiocese of Detroit is one of seven Michigan dioceses, along with Saginaw, Marquette, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Gaylord, and Kalamazoo. Since the Michigan Attorney General began investigating clergy sexual abuse in 2018, the archdiocese has published lists of credibly accused clergy, including priests who left ministry decades ago like Father Lauinger. A Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer can help survivors understand how those admissions may support a civil lawsuit.
Lauinger served at parishes in Detroit, Royal Oak, and St. Clair Shores, as well as in Scotland, before leaving Michigan in 1985. A priest who leaves ministry does not leave behind the archdiocese’s responsibility for abuse committed while he served.
The Allegations Against Father Richard Lauinger
Credible Allegations Announced in 2016
Published records indicate that Richard Lauinger was ordained in 1956. On March 28, 2016, the archdiocese announced credible allegations that Lauinger sexually abused minors while in ministry. A woman disclosed publicly that Lauinger raped her when she was 10 years old in the 1950s while attending Our Lady of Sorrows in Farmington, Michigan, where Lauinger was a priest. She filed a police report in February 2016, but there was no prosecution due to the statute of limitations.
Lauinger left the priesthood in 1975 and moved from Michigan in 1985. According to the archdiocese, several victims had come forward since January 2016. He was included on the archdiocese’s accused list in June 2019 and was laicized.
Why Survivors Came Forward Together
The archdiocese’s 2016 announcement prompted additional survivors to come forward, a common pattern: one person’s disclosure gives others the courage to speak. Each survivor’s account stands on its own, and each may support an individual civil claim against the archdiocese.
Criminal vs. Civil Sexual Abuse Cases
Clergy abuse can trigger criminal prosecution, civil lawsuits, or both, and survivors should understand how they differ. A criminal case is filed by the state, requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt, and seeks punishment. A civil case is filed by the survivor, requires proof by a preponderance of the evidence, and seeks compensation.
Criminal Cases
In Father Lauinger’s case, the statute of limitations barred criminal prosecution, which is why no charges were filed despite a police report. Criminal deadlines can expire long before survivors are ready to report.
Civil Lawsuits
Civil lawsuits follow different rules and deadlines than criminal cases. Survivors may sue the priest and the archdiocese, particularly where the church itself has deemed allegations credible, as it did here.
Statute of Limitations on Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases in Michigan
Michigan Legislature §600.5805 generally requires civil sexual abuse claims to be filed within ten years of the abuse or before the survivor turns 28, whichever is later. Michigan sets no time limit for first-degree criminal sexual conduct charges, though other criminal deadlines may apply.
Survivors abused as children in the 1950s often waited more than half a century to speak. Fear, shame, and the deference given to priests kept generations silent. Because civil deadlines are calculated from specific facts, survivors should seek legal advice rather than assume too much time has passed.
View All Accused Clergy in Michigan
Pursue Justice With Help From White Law PLLC
Damages in a civil clergy abuse case may include medical and therapy expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Survivors may bring claims against the abuser and against the archdiocese or religious institution where officials knew or should have known of the abuse, failed to prevent it, covered it up, or neglected proper screening, training, and supervision of clergy.
If Father Lauinger abused you or someone you love, contact White Law PLLC for a confidential consultation at (517) 316-1195. The office is located at .
Profiles summarize published records and allegations. Inclusion does not constitute a legal finding.