September 11, 2018 - Archdiocese of Boston Removes Rev. Christian Ohazulume From Ministry

The Archdiocese of Boston today announced that Rev. Christian Ohazulume, an extern priest from Nnewi Nigeria, has had his faculties to minister removed as a result of receiving an allegation of sexual abuse of a child on August 31. The allegation was identified to have occurred in 2007, during a time he was residing with a family upon his arrival in the United States. Rev. Christian Ohazulume has been employed as a Chaplain at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center since 2010. He has resided at St. Mary of the Assumption Parish in Brookline since 2010 where he has assisted in celebrating Mass and hearing confessions.
The Archdiocese of Boston immediately notified law enforcement. In addition, the Archdiocese has been in contact with his home Diocese of Nnewi, Nigeria and informed them of the allegation and that his faculties to minister have been withdrawn in the Archdiocese of Boston. The Archdiocese was advised by law enforcement to delay until today release of this information while they initiated their investigation. 
The Archdiocese of Boston is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of children and young people in our parishes and institutions. 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. 
About the Archdiocese of Boston’s Child Protection Efforts
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.