Fr. Edward Julian Tissera

Ordained: 1989
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Hartford CT

From Sri-Lanka. Several names: Edward Warnakulasuriya, Edward Tissera, W. Edward Julian Tissera. Accused in 7/2011 of molesting a 17- or 18-year-old male during confession at St. Bernard’s in Simsbury. Suspended. Arrested. Pleaded no contest 9/2012. Accused in a 9/2014 lawsuit of repeated sexual assault of a 13- to 14-year-old boy 2000-2001, while associate pastor of St. John the Evangelist, Watertown, CT. Abuse was said to have occurred in Tissera’s rectory bedroom, after he invited the boy for spiritual guidance and counseling. Settled in 10/2016. Laicized 5/29/2018. On the Archdiocese’s list 1/22/2019.


Return to main database page. See abbreviations and posting policy. Send corrections.

Our Database of Publicly Accused does not state or imply that individuals facing allegations are guilty of a crime or liable for civil claims. The reports contained in the database are merely allegations. The U.S. legal system presumes that a person accused of or charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty. Similarly, individuals who may be defendants in civil actions are presumed not to be liable for such claims unless a plaintiff proves otherwise. Admissions of guilt or liability are not typically a part of civil or private settlements. For more information, see our posting policy.