May 7, 2019 - Archdiocese of Boston Statement

The Archdiocese of Boston is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of children and young people in our parishes and institutions. We evidence that commitment in part by following our publicly-stated protocol for handling claims of abuse, as we have in the allegations asserted in today’s press conference wherein it falsely suggests that archdiocese has broken from promises:
With respect to the following names raised today and as required by our protocols, all allegations were immediately reported to law enforcement when they were received by the Archdiocese.
Regarding the publication of their names, we are consistent with our policy for disclosure (click link). The following are deceased and were at the time the allegation was received and therefore are not listed:

• Fr. Gerard D. Barry
• Fr. Walter Casey
• Fr. Charles Mc Gahey
• Fr. Edward J. Mc Laughlin
• Msgr. Charles J. Ring

The following priest has not been in active ministry and has been publicly disclosed and is therefore listed on our website:

• Fr. Arnold E. Kelley 

The following priest has been retired for a number of years and is under preliminary investigation. The allegation was received after his retirement took effect. A determination of the allegation has yet to be reached:

• Fr. Richard Donahue

The following individual is no longer a priest and the allegation was received after he was no longer in ministry:

• Mr. John Sweeney

Since his installation, Cardinal Seán has made it a priority to create safe environments in the Archdiocese’s churches and schools and to continue to support all people impacted by clergy sexual abuse. The policies and practices of the Archdiocese include working with law enforcement agencies and community professionals to report and investigate instances of sexual abuse, annually screening approximately 50,000 clergy, employees and volunteers, and implementing effective prevention training programs. In addition, through the Office of Pastoral Support and Outreach (OPSO), the Archdiocese continues to reach out to those who have been harmed by the tragic reality of clergy sexual abuse in order to provide pastoral help and counseling services to survivors and their families.
To learn more about the Archdiocese of Boston Commitment to Pastoral Support, Healing, Protection and Prevention please click here.
Through its Office of Pastoral Support and Outreach, the Archdiocese continues to make counseling and other services available to survivors, their families and parishes impacted by clergy sexual abuse and by allegations of abuse by members of the clergy. Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley encourages any person in need of pastoral assistance or support to contact the Archdiocese’s Office of Pastoral Support and Outreach by calling 617-746-5985.