July 17, 2002 Statement of Donna M. Morrissey, Spokeswoman,
Archdiocese of Boston Concerning Father Robert P. Beale
The Archdiocese of Boston in accordance with its policy for handling
allegations of sexual misconduct with minors by members of the clergy
today placed Father Robert P. Beale, Director of Our Lady's Hall, in Milton,
Massachusetts on administrative leave and removed him from all assignments
pending further review of an allegation made against him. This policy
calls for a thorough investigation by the Delegate's Office and notification
to proper legal authorities within forty-eight hours in cases such as
this.
The allegation against Father Beale was determined to be credible last
evening by the Archdiocese of Boston regarding an incident that occurred
over twenty-five years ago. Following the policy it was determined that
the allegation had enough substance to warrant further investigation by
the Archdiocese of Boston and met the criteria to place Father Beale on
administrative leave. Pastoral and counseling support has been offered
to both the person making the allegation and the accused priest.
The first priority of the Archdiocese of Boston is the protection of
children. The rights of the victim and the accused priest are to be respected
and any action taken in the course of an investigation should not be construed
as implication of guilt of the accused cleric. Our obligation as representatives
of the Church and as a community, legally and morally, is to fully investigate
all past allegations of abuse of a minor. Until the resolution of the
investigation, Father Beale will continue to receive his salary and medical
benefits but he will not have permission to perform any public ministry
in the Church. If the allegation proves to be groundless, efforts will
be made to restore the priest's reputation.
Representatives of the Archdiocese of Boston have met with the staff
of Our Lady's Hall and have offered assistance and support. Our Lady's
Hall is part of the Priest Recovery Program, which serves the pastoral
needs of priests of the Archdiocese of Boston. There are no priests currently
residing at Our Lady's Hall.
Our prayers are with victims and their families, the faithful of the
Archdiocese, and all those who have been effected by instances of child
abuse by members of the clergy.
(Other press releases and statements)
|
