Vatican confirms bishop's suppression of Society of St. John

Published: 2005-06-15

SCRANTON, Pa. (CNS) -- The Vatican Congregation for Clergy has confirmed Scranton Bishop Joseph F. Martino's decision to suppress the Society of St. John, a small organization of traditionally minded priests that has been troubled by financial difficulties and allegations that two of its members had sexually molested a minor. The Catholic Light, Scranton diocesan newspaper, reported June 9 that a Vatican decree dated May 3 rejected the society's appeal against the bishop's decision to suppress it. "The bishop has directed that the members of the suppressed society may not celebrate the Eucharist at a private residence where they are now located, may not engage in any fund-raising activities and must carry a prominent notice on the Web site www.ssjohn.org that the Society of St. John is no longer a recognized ecclesial entity of the Roman Catholic Church," the newspaper said. As of June 15, the Web site still described the society as "working under the leadership of the pope and bishops of the church," with no reference to its suppression.

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