TYLER (TX)
News-Journal
By JAMES DRAPER
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
The promoter of justice for the Diocese of Tyler on Tuesday clarified recent allegations against Monsignor John Flynn, former pastor of St. Matthew's Catholic Church in Longview.
The Rev. Gavin Vaverek of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Longview said Bishop Alvarro Corrada placed Flynn on administrative leave Friday after receiving a new allegation of sexual impropriety by Flynn several decades ago when he was a priest of the Archdiocese of San Antonio.
"The allegation was just received by the diocese that (Flynn) had been involved sexually with a minor," Vaverek said. "We immediately looked to see if it is a possibly credible allegation and removed him to administrative leave pending the full resolution of the matter. We sent the allegation and all the information we have to the Holy See (in Rome)."
Diocese of Tyler Communications Director John D'Avignon said Flynn has previously admitted to having a relationship with a San Antonio woman but denied any impropriety with a minor.
According to the San Antonio Express-News, the Archdiocese of San Antonio investigated allegations against Flynn in 1997. He stepped down that year, and reports showed no criminal charges were ever brought against him for those allegations.
Posted by kshaw at May 18, 2005 05:22 AM