Statement from Archbishop Carlson Regarding Fr. Valentine

By Angie Shelton
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. Louis
May 1, 2013

http://archstl.org/commoffice/press-release/2013/statement-archbishop-carlson-regard


With sadness I inform you that an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor against one of our priests was found to be substantiated by an independent Advisory Board. The board, made up of lay persons, found the allegations against Fr. LeRoy Valentine, who served in the archdiocese from 1977-2002 and then retired, to be credible. The incidents took place in the 1970’s, but were only recently brought to our attention. In keeping with the Charter for the Protection of Children and young People, Fr. Valentine is now permanently removed from ecclesiastical ministry, and I have taken steps to inform the parishes where he served.

 Sexual abuse of a minor is a sin and a crime. Today we pray for the healing of victims of abuse and for the safety of all children everywhere.

 Anyone who wishes to make a report of the sexual abuse of a minor by Father Valentine or by any other priest, deacon or employee of the Archdiocese of St. Louis may contact Deacon Phil Hengen, Director of Child and Youth Protection, Archdiocese of St. Louis at 314.792.7704 or phengen@archstl.org. Reports may also be made to the Missouri Division of Social Services Child Abuse Hotline for allegations involving a person who is currently under the age of 18, or to civil authorities for allegations involving a person who is now an adult, but was abused as a minor.