Chaplain Removed Pending Investigation

By Kevin Deehan
The Crusader
February 10, 2014

http://www.thehccrusader.com/news/chaplain-removed-pending-investigation-1.3138143#.UvlGwPl_uSr

On Wednesday, January 29, Father Boroughs informed the campus community in a mass email that a complaint had been filed against Rev. Gregory Lynch, S.J. regarding an allegation of adult sexual misconduct. Lynch is no longer at the College, having been removed “from his public ministry and his assignment at Holy Cross, pending the outcome of this matter,” according to Father Boroughs’ email.

The announcement warned that Lynch’s removal “does not represent a determination of Fr. Lynch’s guilt or innocence.” It also stated that the complaint in question did not occur at Holy Cross nor involve a student from the College.

Lynch was ordained a Jesuit priest in 2003. Prior to joining the Chaplains’ Office at Holy Cross, he worked as a history teacher and swimming coach at Creighton Preparatory in Omaha, Nebraska. While at the College, Lynch served as the Assistant Chaplain and Director of Service and Social Justice Programs. Under this title, Lynch served as faculty advisor to Student Programs for Urban Development, helped with the Spiritual Exercises retreat program, and acted as moderator of Pax Christi, among other duties.

Marybeth Kearns-Barrett, Director of the Office of the College Chaplains, responded to Lynch’s absence, “Most of Father Lynch’s responsibilities have been assumed by all of the other chaplains pitching in generously where they are needed. Members of the Jesuit community on campus are also helping out with some of the sacramental responsibilities.”

The Crusader will continue coverage of this story as more details become available.