TEXAS
The Paris News
The Associated Press
Published June 5, 2005
FORT WORTH, Texas — Shortly after investigators linked him to two men suspected of sexually abusing of boys at least a half dozen boys, the Rev. Thomas Teczar left his parish in Ranger.
The reasons behind Teczar's departure from St. Rita's Catholic Church remained sealed for more than a decade, stashed away in a secret diocese archive known as the Confidential files. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram examined the files this spring after they were opened during a lawsuit.
The documents detail how Teczar _ a Catholic priest who admitted being sexually attracted to boys _ was sent to minister in four rural parishes without supervision. They also raise questions about the decisions by Fort Worth Bishop Joseph P. Delaney, Teczar's superior.
In a recent interview, Delaney said he knew nothing about sexual abuse allegations against Teczar before or during the priest's time in the Fort Worth Diocese. However, his notes in the Confidential Files show he was aware of suspicions and the risk of hiring Teczar.
Posted by kshaw at June 5, 2005 07:16 PM