Lithuanian bishops announce investigation into crimes against minors since 1990

The Lithuanian Bishops' Conference will investigate all crimes committed against minors and vulnerable adults within the Church since March 11, 1990. The bishops stated that their priority is the victim rather than the reputation of the institution and noted the need to establish the total number of such crimes occurring since Lithuania gained independence from the Soviet Union.

The decision follows charges against Father Tadas Švedavičius, a priest in the Archdiocese of Vilnius. According to a Sept. 28 Delfi report, Švedavičius faces 34 criminal counts involving child sexual abuse, possession of child pornography, and distributing alcohol to minors over a 20 year period.

During the investigation, the conference plans to consult with Lithuanian law enforcement and the Holy See.