Reverend on Leave Pending Sex Abuse Allegations

Boston Channel
February 12, 2012

www.thebostonchannel.com/r/30440243/detail.html


Boston Archdiocese Place Rev. James E. Braley On Leave

BOSTON -- The Archdiocese of Boston announced Sunday that it placed a Plymouth reverend on administrative leave as a result of receiving an allegation of sexual abuse of a child.

Rev. James E. Braley is the Pastor of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, according to the Archdiocese. Officials said the alleged abuse was said to have occurred in the early 1980s.

The Archdiocese said they immediately notified law enforcement of the allegation and have initiated a preliminary investigation into the complaint.

As a result, the Archdiocese has placed Braley on administrative leave pending the outcome of the preliminary investigation.

Officials at the Archdiocese would not say where the alleged abuse may have taken place but said Braley was assigned at St. Peter Parish, in Cambridge, from 1975 to 1981, and Archbishop Williams High School, in Braintree, from 1981 to 1986.

The Archdiocese said they would work to resolve the case as expeditiously as possible and in a manner that is fair to all parties.

"We remain committed to doing everything possible to ensure the safety and well-being of children and young people in our parishes and institutions," stated Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley. "I know the faithful and the clergy of the Archdiocese join me in this pledge of prayerful support."