Boston Area Priest Removed, SNAP Responds

SNAP
February 4, 2014

http://www.snapnetwork.org/ma_boston_area_priest_removed_snap_responds

[CBS Boston]

Fr. Joseph Byrne, a Boston area priest, has been suspended. Unfortunately, this is not the first time Fr. Byrne has been removed. Now is not the time for complacency.

Byrne was removed in 2012 after claims of sexual abuse came forward. He was only reinstated in May of last year, apparently after a review board found allegations against him unsubstantiated. His removal again is a perfect example of why the Catholic Church – or any other institution- cannot be responsible for policing itself. Fr. Byrne was also put on probation for theft in 2005.

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It’s time the church stop protecting criminals and reputations and start protecting victims.

We hope Fr. Byrne’s suspension will give courage to victims to come forward and report abuse, to secular authorities.