September 29, 2010 - Archdiocese Announces Claim Against Rev. Charles J.Murphy is Unsubstantiated

(Braintree, MA) September 29, 2010… The Archdiocese of Boston today announced that, after a thorough investigation and review, the Archdiocesan Review Board has found an allegation against Reverend Charles J. Murphy of sexual abuse of a minor to be unsubstantiated.  The Review Board, an interfaith advisory committee comprised of psychiatrists, social workers, survivors of clergy sexual abuse, parents, an educator, retired law enforcement agent, judge and a pastor, advises the Cardinal on complaints and policy matters relating to the protection of children.  Cardinal Seán O’Malley accepted the recommendation of the Review Board and met with Fr. Murphy late yesterday to inform him he is being restored to the status of senior priest.
 
In April 2010, Father Murphy was placed on administrative leave following the receipt of an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor dating back approximately 40 years (1970-1971.)  After receiving notice of the allegation, the Archdiocese immediately notified law enforcement and initiated an investigation into the complaint.

Fr. Murphy was the subject of previous allegations made in 2004 relating to conduct alleged to have occurred decades ago. After a complete investigation into the initial allegations and an evaluation of those claims by the Archdiocesan Review Board, the allegations were found to be unsubstantiated and the related civil claims were dropped.

In making today’s announcement regarding Fr. Murphy, Cardinal Seán stated, “I am pleased that this process has reached a conclusion and thank the Archdiocesan investigators and Review Board members for their diligent efforts to evaluate and resolve this matter.  I look forward to discussing with Fr. Murphy how he can continue to serve God and the people of this Archdiocese.”  Cardinal Seán also reiterated his ardent commitment to the Archdiocese’s ongoing efforts to protect children, support survivors, and work with law enforcement agencies and community professionals to report and investigate instances of sexual abuse. 

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 60,000 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.