Boston archbishop orders investigation into allegations at Seminary

BOSTON — Boston’s archbishop has ordered an investigation into unspecified allegations made on social media.

According to the Cardinal Sean O’Malley, former seminarians at St. John’s Seminary posted allegations to the Archdiocese’s Facebook page alleging “activities which are directly contrary to the moral standards and requirements of formation for the Catholic priesthood.”

Though the allegations were not detailed in the statement from O’Malley, the archbishop has asked the head of St. John’s Seminary, James Moroney, to take a leave of absence for the fall semester, beginning immediately.

O’Malley said his absence will allow for the archdiocese to conduct a full, independent inquiry into the allegations.

According to O’Malley, the USCCB National Review Board, which advises the USCCB on matters of child and youth protection policies and practices has been involved in the investigation.

The investigation concerns “the culture of the seminary regarding the personal standards expected and required of candidates for the priesthood, and any seminary issues of sexual harassment or other forms of intimidation or discrimination.”

“The allegations made this week are a source of serious concern to me as Archbishop of Boston. The ministry of the Catholic priesthood requires a foundation of trust with the people of the Church and the wider community in which our priests serve. I am determined that all our seminaries meet that standard of trust and provide the formation necessary for priests to live a demanding vocation of service in our contemporary society."

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