BishopAccountability.org
	Youngstown Diocese Removes Priest Beacon Journal June 9, 2009 http://www.ohio.com/news/47283492.html YOUNGSTOWN: A Roman Catholic priest who recently admitted to an allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor more than 30 years ago has been removed from ministry in the Diocese of Youngstown. The Rev. Thomas Crum resigned last week as pastor of Our Lady of Peace parish in Canton, after an allegation of sexual abuse was reported to the diocese. The allegation dates back more than three decades, when Crum was a faculty member at Cardinal Mooney High School in Youngstown. Crum subsequently acknowledged to church authorities that the allegation was true, according to a news release issued by the diocese. Crum, who is on administrative leave, is prohibited from celebrating the sacraments, wearing clerical attire and presenting himself as a priest in good standing. He has been placed in a psychological treatment center. The allegation against Crum, who has been a priest in the diocese since 1975, is being investigated by church authorities and the Youngstown Police Department. No charges have been filed. In addition to his assignments at Cardinal Mooney and Our Lady of Peace, Crum has served parishes in Warren, Campbell, Orwell, Boardman and Youngstown. He also was an assistant pastor at Immaculate Conception in Ravenna and pastor at St. Anthony in Canton and at St. Peter in Rootstown. In 1994, he took a personal leave of absence and returned to parish ministry in 1997. The diocese reports that this is the first allegation it has received about Crum. In a prepared statement, church officials encouraged anyone who has experienced sexual abuse by clergy or others associated with the diocese to contact the diocesan victim's assistance coordinator at 330-744-8451 and to notify civil authorities. "The Diocese of Youngstown continues to be committed to protecting children and helping to heal victims of abuse. I am deeply sorry for the pain suffered by survivors of abuse due to actions of some members of the clergy, because nothing is more important than protecting our children," said Youngstown Bishop George V. Murry. Crum has been replaced at Our Lady of Peace by the Rev. Lewis Gaetano. The diocesan Child Protection Policy may be found at the Diocese of Youngstown Web site, http://www.cathdoy.org.
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