Six Boston priests removed from ministry

Published: 2005-06-14

BOSTON (CNS) -- The Boston Archdiocese announced June 9 that six priests of the archdiocese who have been accused of sexual abuse of minors are "no longer in the clerical state." Earlier in June the archdiocese announced the return of two priests to active ministry following a review of complaints against them. Only the Vatican can laicize a Catholic priest. All cases involving credible accusations of sexual abuse of a minor by a cleric must be sent to the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Removed from the clergy ranks in Boston were John K. Connell, Denis Conte, Peter J. Frost, John Hanlon, Richard Matte and Paul D. White. On June 5 the archdiocese announced that Father Edward F. Sherry, on administrative leave since 2003, will return to ministry as pastor of Nativity Parish in Merrimac. It said the archdiocesan review board was unable to substantiate a claim that he had sexually abused a minor 30 years ago and recommended his return to ministry. Two days later the archdiocese said Msgr. Robert Fichtner, also on administrative leave since 2003, will be able to exercise public ministry again. It said the review board determined that a single complaint of misconduct more than 20 years ago was unsubstantiated.

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