February 12, 2012 - Archdiocese of Boston Places Rev. James E Braley on Administrative Leave

By Kellyanne Dignan
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston
February 13, 2012

www.bostoncatholic.org/Utility/News-And-Press/Content.aspx?id=23006

Archdiocese of Boston Places Rev. James E Braley on Administrative Leave

(Braintree, Mass.) February 12, 2012…The Archdiocese of Boston today announced that it has placed Rev. James E Braley on administrative leave as a result of receiving an allegation of sexual abuse of a child. Fr. Braley is the Pastor of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Parish in Plymouth. The allegation concerns conduct alleged to have occurred in the early 1980s.

The Archdiocese immediately notified law enforcement of the allegation and has initiated a preliminary investigation into the complaint. Fr. Braley will remain on administrative leave pending the outcome of the preliminary investigation. The decision to place Fr. Braley on administrative leave represents the Archdiocese's commitment to the welfare of all parties and does not represent a determination of Fr. Braley's guilt or innocence as it pertains to this allegation. The Archdiocese will work to resolve this case as expeditiously as possible and in a manner that is fair to all parties. Further, the Archdiocese is making arrangements for the ongoing pastoral care of the Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Parish community. Fr. William Williams, Pastor of St Peter's Parish in Plymouth has been named administrator and will be assisted by Fr. Jack Schatzel, the Pastor Emeritus of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha.

"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 Seán P. O'Malley. "I am very grateful to Bishop John Dooher, who on my behalf visited the parishioners of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Parish to offer prayers and support. I know the faithful and the clergy of the Archdiocese join me in this pledge of prayerful support."

Through its Office of Pastoral Support and Outreach, the Archdiocese continues to make counseling and other services available to survivors, their families and parishes impacted by clergy sexual abuse and by allegations of abuse by members of the clergy. Cardinal Seán encourages any person in need of pastoral assistance or support to contact the Archdiocese's Office of Pastoral Support and Outreach by calling (781) 794-2581.

About the Archdiocese of Boston's Child Protection Efforts
Since his installation, Cardinal Seán has made it a priority to create safe environments in the Archdiocese's churches and schools and to continue to support all people impacted by clergy sexual abuse. The policies and practices of the Archdiocese include working with law enforcement agencies and community professionals to report and investigate instances of sexual abuse, annually screening approximately 60,000 clergy, employees and volunteers, and implementing effective prevention training programs. In addition, through the Office of Pastoral Support and Outreach (OPSO), the Archdiocese continues to reach out to those who have been harmed by the tragic reality of clergy sexual abuse in order to provide pastoral help and counseling services to survivors and their families.

Contact: kdignan@rasky.com