January 7, 2005 - Weymouth Pastor Accepts Voluntary Leave
(Boston, Massachusetts) January 7, 2005…As noted in recent media
reports, the Archdiocese of Boston has received a lawsuit filed by Attorney
Mitchell Garabedian, alleging sexual abuse of a minor in 1977 by the
Reverend Eugene Sullivan. Father Sullivan is the pastor of St. Francis
Xavier Parish, Weymouth, and, in light of the recent allegation, he has
accepted a voluntary leave of absence for the good of the parish. The
Archdiocese is making arrangements for the ongoing pastoral care of this
parish community while Fr. Sullivan is on leave.
Archbishop O’Malley intends to ask the Review Board to provide
him with their counsel concerning the allegation against Fr. Sullivan,
by way of offering him a recommendation as to whether or not Fr. Sullivan
should be placed on Administrative Leave.
The Archbishop wishes to reiterate his great concern for all persons
impacted by the tragedy of sexual abuse, especially victims, as well
as his firm intention to resolve cases of this type as expeditiously
as possible, in a manner that is just for all parties involved.
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