Statement from the Diocese Regarding Father James Seculoff

Roman Catholic Diocese of Fort Wayne
January 27, 2014

http://www.diocesefwsb.org/Statement-from-the-diocese-regarding-Father-James-Seculoff

Subsequent to the publishing of the announcement regarding the receipt of a credible allegation of sexual abuse of a minor involving Fr. James Seculoff, the diocese has received additional allegations. Three more persons have separately come forward to report being sexually abused by Fr. Seculoff when they were children. The diocese, with great care and concern for all involved, initiated preliminary investigations. The results of those investigations were presented to the diocesan review board and to Bishop Rhoades.

The diocesan review board found these allegations, separately presented, to be highly credible and supported by substantial evidence, and so advised Bishop Rhoades. As required by Church law and procedures delineated in the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People (USCCB 2002, 2005, 2011), Bishop Rhoades directed that these allegations be forwarded to the Indiana civil authorities and the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

Bishop Rhoades asks everyone to please pray for all parties involved, especially for those that have come forward, as well as Fr. Seculoff, our priests, parishioners and all the faithful during these painful and difficult days.