Archdiocese Places Pastor on Leave Amid Sex Abuse Allegation

Fox 25
February 13, 2012

http://www.myfoxboston.com/dpp/news/local/archdiocese-of-boston-places-reverend-on-leave-after-sex-abuse-allegation-20120212


[with video]

BRAINTREE (FOX 25 / MyFoxBoston.com) - A pastor at a parish in Plymouth was placed on administrative leave on Sunday by the Archdiocese of Boston as a result of an allegation of sexual abuse of a child.

The Archdiocese notified law enforcement of the allegation after receiving word that Rev. James E. Braley, the Pastor of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Parish in Plymouth, had allegedly assaulted a child in the early 1980s.

The age and gender of the victim remain unclear, as well as when the alleged assault occurred.

An investigation into the allegation has been launched and Fr. Braley will remain on administrative leave pending the outcome of the preliminary investigation.

From 1975 to 1981, Fr. Braley was assigned to St. Peter's Parish in Cambridge. He then went on to Archbishop Williams High School in Braintree, St. James in Salem, St. Mary in Lynn, Our Lady Star of Sea in Marblehead, St. Catherine of Siena in Norwood, Priestly Renewal Program at Vatican II Institute in California, and Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha in Plymouth.

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.

"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.

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.