Priest Apologizes for Trying to Raise Funds for Accused Sex Abuser

CBS Boston
March 29, 2012

http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/03/29/priest-apologizes-for-trying-to-raise-funds-for-accused-sex-abuser/

A Roslindale priest has apologized after attempting to raise a legal defense fund for another priest accused of sexually abusing a child.

Monsignor Francis Kelley of Sacred Heart Church in Roslindale is apologizing for putting an item in the church bulletin urging financial support for Father John Mendicoa.

Kelley issued his apology and promised that it won’t happen again as advocates for children abused by priests went to Sacred Heart to protest.

David Clossey of the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests says those who wish to support Mendicoa should do so privately, without any use of church resources.

Mendicoa was placed on leave last year after an accuser came forward with an allegation dating back to the 1980s.