Lynn Pastor Placed on Leave Amid Allegation of Sexual Abuse of Child

WCVB
September 23, 2012

http://www.wcvb.com/news/local/boston-north/Lynn-pastor-placed-on-leave-amid-allegation-of-sexual-abuse-of-child/-/11984708/16708074/-/3n57g2z/-/index.html

The Archdiocese of Boston announced Sunday that it has placed Rev. James E. Gaudreau on administrative leave of absence as a result of receiving an allegation of sexual abuse of a child.

Gaudreau is the pastor at St. Joseph's in Lynn. The Archdiocese said the alleged conduct occurred in 2006 and was recently reported to them.

Police were immediately notified to investigate the complaint. As a result, the Archdiocese placed Gaudreau on leave pending the outcome.

NewsCenter 5’s Liam Martin talked with two female parishioners who said they don’t personally know Gaudreau but can’t believe the allegations.

“Everybody's nice people as far as I'm concerned,” said one parishioner who did not want to give her name. “I've never heard anything bad about anyone.”

“It is very, very hard to believe, if it's the priest that I'm thinking about,” said another woman who also did not want to give her name.

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

"We are committed to the protection of children and young people in our parishes and institutions," stated Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley. "The faithful and the clergy of the Archdiocese join me in this pledge of prayerful support. We will provide for the pastoral care of the parish during this difficult time."

O’Malley encourages any person in need of pastoral assistance or support to contact the Archdiocese’s Office of Pastoral Support and Outreach by calling 617-746-5985.