Statement of Donna M. Morrissey, Spokeswoman, Archdiocese
of Boston March 21, 2002
The Archdiocese of Boston was notified late this afternoon by the media
that a lawsuit was filed today reportedly detailing an allegation of sexual
misconduct with a minor involving Reverend Monsignor Frederick Ryan, Pastor
of Saint Joseph Parish in Kingston, Massachusetts and Vicar of the Plymouth
Vicariate. The Archdiocese of Boston has not received a copy of the lawsuit
nor have we received in the past any allegation regarding sexual misconduct
with a minor concerning Monsignor Ryan.
The Archdiocese of Boston is attempting to contact both the individuals
bringing forth the allegation through their attorney and the accused priest
to get a clear and concise understanding of the nature of the allegation.
The priest will be informed that while the investigation goes forward
he will be placed on an administrative leave.
Our first priority is the protection of minors and applying a zero tolerance
policy. At the same time however, we are mindful of the rights of the
accused priest and any action taken in the course of our investigation
should not be construed as a "conviction" of the priest but an investigation
to determine the plausibility of the allegation.
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