FAIRBANKS (AK)
News-Miner
By MARY BETH SMETZER
Staff Writer
The priest in charge of the Jesuit ministry in Alaska said the order will conduct its own investigation of allegations the former pastor of Immaculate Conception Church sexually abused minors while serving in Alaska.
If the claims are credible, the Rev. Richard McCaffrey would be permanently removed from of all priestly ministry for the rest of his life.
"We take very seriously any allegations like this and make sure everyone is given just treatment, including Father McCaffrey," said the Rev. John Whitney, provincial of the Oregon Province.
McCaffrey is in residence and under restriction at the Portland, Ore., Jesuit community until three recent claims of sexual misconduct can be sorted out.
Fairbanks Diocese Catholic Bishop Donald Kettler put McCaffrey on administrative leave in May after a woman came forward saying the priest molested her about 25 years ago when she was 10 years old and living in western Alaska. Kettler removed McCaffrey from ministry in the Fairbanks diocese last week, a move he announced to the diocese in a letter read during Sunday services.