Vatican laicizes eight Boston clerics accused of child sex abuse

Published: 2006-03-20

BOSTON (CNS) -- Seven priests and one deacon of the Boston Archdiocese accused of sexually abusing minors have been laicized by the Vatican, the archdiocese announced. Among the priests removed from the clerical state was Msgr. Frederick Ryan, a former archdiocesan vice chancellor and regional vicar. The Vatican decision means that all eight men will no longer receive financial support from the archdiocese and they may no longer perform public ministry, with the exception that those who are priests may offer absolution to the dying, said the March 17 announcement. Terrence C. Donilon, archdiocesan communications secretary, said that all eight men had been removed from active ministry prior to the Vatican decision. The seven priests who were laicized are: Anthony Buchette, Paul Finegan, Thomas Forry, Robert Morrisette, Ernest Tourigney, Patrick Tague and Ryan. The deacon who was laicized is Joseph Crowley.

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