BishopAccountability.org
	Statement of Donna M. Morrissey, Spokeswoman, Archdiocese of Boston Concerning Father Rebeiro Archdiocese of Boston August 10, 2002 The Archdiocese of Boston in accordance with its policy for handling allegations of sexual misconduct with minors by members of the clergy today placed Father Anthony J. Rebeiro, Chaplain of Quigley Memorial Hospital and Soldiers' Home in Chelsea, Massachusetts on administrative leave and removed him from all assignments pending further review of an allegation made against him. This policy calls for a thorough investigation by the Delegate's Office and notification to proper legal authorities within forty-eight hours in cases such as this. The allegation made against Father Rebeiro was recently reported for the first time to the Archdiocese of Boston regarding an incident that occurred nearly thirty years ago. Following the policy it was determined that the allegation had enough substance to warrant further investigation by the Archdiocese of Boston and met the criteria to place Father Rebeiro on administrative leave. Pastoral and counseling support has been offered to both the person making the allegation and the accused priest. The first priority of the Archdiocese of Boston is the protection of children. The rights of the victim and the accused priest are to be respected and any action taken in the course of an investigation should not be construed as implication of guilt of the accused cleric. Our obligation as representatives of the Church and as a community, legally and morally, is to fully investigate all past allegations of abuse of a minor. Until the resolution of the investigation by representatives of the Church and by the proper authorities is complete, Father Rebeiro will receive a salary and medical benefits but he will not have permission to perform any public ministry in the Church. If the allegation proves to be groundless, efforts will be made to restore the priest's reputation. Representatives of the Archdiocese of Boston have contacted representatives of Quigley Memorial Hospital and Soldiers' Home and the Health Care Ministry to inform them of the investigation. The Archdiocese of Boston is in the process of notifying the proper civil authorities. Our prayers continue to be with victims and their families, the faithful of the Archdiocese, and all those who have been affected by instances of child abuse by members of the clergy.
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