August 10 , 2012 - Archdiocese of Boston Returns Reverend John E. Mclaughlin To Ministry*

(Braintree, MA) August 10, 2012…The Archdiocese of Boston today made the following statement regarding Reverend John E. McLaughlin:

“The Archdiocese of Boston today announced that a trial conducted at the Metropolitan Tribunal of the Archdiocese of Boston regarding an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor against Father John E. McLaughlin has concluded the charge to be unsubstantiated.  Fr. McLaughlin was placed on administrative leave in 2005 following the Archdiocese’s receipt of a complaint of sexual abuse of a minor which was alleged to have occurred in the 1980s.  Fr. McLaughlin is no longer on administrative leave and has now been assigned the status of Senior Priest, restricted.  His restriction involves other matters not related to children.

Fr. McLaughlin’s ministry, beyond sacramental celebrations with members of his family, will be exercised with the permission of the Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia of the Archdiocese of Boston.  In reaching this decision, Cardinal Seán O’Malley recognized that this matter took an unusually long time to adjudicate and prays for all persons impacted by these matters.”