Roman Catholic

Sex Abuse Allegation puts Woonsocket Priest on Administrative Leave

Flo Jonic — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 20:16:41 +0000

Another Roman Catholic priest has been sidelined by a child sexual abuse allegation. The priest has accepted responsibility for his actions.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence says Monsignor John Allard of Woonsocket has been forced to resign the pastor of St. Agatha and Precious Blood parishes because of a child sex abuse allegation that dates back more than 30 years.

The diocese says Allard accepted responsibility for his actions when confronted. He has expressed remorse for the harm he has caused and has moved out of the rectory.

Friday, February 15, 2013

Lydia Rogers — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 14:39:20 +0000

The RI EDC needs to find a new leader. Brown University raises its tuition. These stories and more on the RIPR Morning News Podcast.

Do you have insight or expertise on this topic? Please email us, we'd like to hear from you. news@ripr.org

Catholic Church sets up financial accountability hotline

Flo Jonic — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 13:37:46 +0000

Roman Catholics who suspect financial irregularities in their parishes now have a place to go to report it. The Diocese of Providence has retained an Oregon company to operate a toll-free number people can call to report suspected financial impropriety.

Warwick priest resigns over accusation of sexual abuse

Flo Jonic — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 14:59:54 +0000

(PROVIDENCE, RI) A Catholic priest has resigned over allegations of sexual abuse.

The resignation of Father Barry Meehan, pastor of St. Timothy’s Church in Warwick, was announced over the weekend with the reading of a letter from Bishop Thomas Tobin.

In the letter Tobin says the diocese recently received a sex abuse allegation against Meehan that goes back more than 25 years. An investigation concluded the allegation had merit. Meehan resigned when he was confronted, though he continues to assert his innocence.