July 29, 2025


Whistleblower Exposes Decades of Corruption in the Catholic Church in New Book

In a revealing new book titled *The Sacrifice of the Masses*, former priest and whistleblower Dr. Robert Hoatson shares his harrowing experiences of clergy abuse and systemic cover-up within the Catholic Church. This poignant narrative not only discloses his personal battles with abuse but also sheds light on the broader corruption plaguing the institution for centuries.

Hoatson, who is also the co-founder of Road-to-Recovery, an organization dedicated to helping abuse victims, outlines his direct confrontations with church authorities and his subsequent alienation from the church. His book begins with a powerful statement: "The Roman Catholic Church is the most corrupt organization in the world, and it has been for centuries." He accuses the church of "soul murdering" millions, while the hierarchy lives comfortably, ignoring the survivors' plight.

Throughout the book, Hoatson reveals the names and stories of not only his family and close friends but also the abusers, illustrating the deep-rooted and pervasive nature of this crisis. He explains the reasons behind the delay in reporting the abuse he suffered starting from his youth, during his time in the novitiate and scholasticate as a Christian Brother.

The narrative also highlights Hoatson's legal struggles, particularly his battles in court where he faced significant setbacks. Despite his efforts, many of his lawsuits were dismissed, and motions were denied, underscoring the challenges victims face in seeking justice.

One poignant detail in the book is Hoatson’s account of his interactions with Archbishop John J. Myers of the Archdiocese of Newark, who, according to Hoatson, made decisions that favored abusers over victims, such as banning eulogies by laypeople at funerals — a point of personal contention for Hoatson.

After being fired from his position as Director of Schools at a Catholic parish for advocating changes to the statute of limitations for abuse victims, Hoatson continued to face hardships. His subsequent lawsuit against the church and others was largely unsuccessful, and he was eventually laicized by the Vatican in what he describes as "record time."

Hoatson’s exposure reached significant media outlets, with appearances in major publications like the *Village Voice* where he was featured on the front page. Despite the setbacks in court, including a controversial ruling where his motion for recusal was denied despite apparent conflicts of interest involving the judge’s family connections to the Catholic Church, Hoatson persisted in his advocacy.

Awarded the 2019 SNAP award for his service to sexual abuse victims, Hoatson’s life and work highlight the extreme sacrifices made by those who dare to challenge powerful institutions. His book not only serves as a memoir but also as a critical examination of a deeply flawed system, providing a voice to the thousands of victims silenced by the church’s actions.

Through his detailed account and unwavering commitment to justice, Hoatson’s narrative offers a stark reminder of the ongoing need for transparency and reform within religious institutions.