February 8, 2015 - Archdiocese of Boston Places Rev. Thomas M. Gillespie on Administrative Leave

(Braintree, Mass.) February 8, 2015 - The Archdiocese of Boston today announced that it has placed Rev. Thomas M. Gillespie on administrative leave of absence as a result of receiving an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor. The allegation concerns conduct alleged to have occurred in the late 1970’s and was recently reported to the Archdiocese Fr. Gillespie is pastor of St. Theresa of Lisieux Parish in North Reading. 
 
The Archdiocese immediately notified law enforcement of the allegation and has initiated a preliminary investigation into the complaint.  Fr. Gillespie will remain on administrative leave without any public ministry pending the outcome of the preliminary investigation.  The decision to place Fr. Gillespie on administrative leave represents the Archdiocese’s commitment to the welfare of all parties and does not represent a determination of Fr. Gillespie’s guilt or innocence as it pertains to this allegation.  The Archdiocese will work to resolve this case as expeditiously as possible and in a manner that is fair to all parties. 
 
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 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 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.