BOSTON (MA)
Boston Globe
January 22, 2019
It looks like it might be the same old game of musical chairs for problem priests — and that’s a problem for Cardinal Sean O’Malley.
Monsignor James P. Moroney , the rector of St. John’s Seminary, was quietly reassigned back to his home diocese in Worcester while an investigation into sexual harassment allegations at the seminary continues. Moroney himself has not been accused of sexual misconduct, but the transfer raises questions about his role in handling the allegations.
“It seems pretty clear that the rector should not have been reassigned before the independent investigation is completed,” said Attorney General Maura Healey. “The public deserves transparency throughout the process.”
In response, Terrence Donilon, a spokesman for O’Malley said: “We agree with the attorney general that the public deserves transparency. We are committed to follow through on the cardinal’s pledge to allow the independent report to be completed and a report made public on the findings along with any recommendations.”
Donilon also said, “we would not draw any conclusions” concerning any connection between the investigation and Moroney’s new assignment.
The probe was launched in August, after two former seminarians made allegations of improper conduct at St. John’s Seminary. The alleged misconduct doesn’t involve minors and doesn’t appear to be criminal in nature, but casts concerns about the church’s internal culture. At that time, Moroney also went on sabbatical leave for the fall semester.
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