The following article was posted in the Tri State News
January 28, 2002
Archdiocese transfers two priests accused of sexual improprieties
Society of St. John, in Shohola, says it does not believe the allegations
Two priests, associated with the conservative Society of St. John, which owns a large tract of land in Shohola which it planned to develop into a retreat and small college, have been temporarily removed from public pastoral functions, pending an investigation into allegations of inappropriate contact with young men.
Fr. Dominic O'Connor, spokesman for the Society of St. John, says the society's official position is that the allegations against the priests are untrue. O'Connor confirmed to Tri-State News that the two have been transferred from the society, and are currently at the archdiocese in Scranton, where they may engage in private priestly activities but generally would not perform any public pastoral duties.
The public allegations come primarily from Dr. Jeffrey Bond, President of the College of St. Justin Martyr. Dr. Bond has recently issued a series of e-mail releases, received by Tri-State News, detailing his allegations against the two priests, and other allegations of fiscal and administrative improprieties against the society.
Bond contends the society is in serious financial trouble and may have to unload its 1,000 acre tract.
Again, O'Connor rejects Bond's contentions and says the original vision of the village and college, conceived when the Society of St. John assumed its current identity in 1997, is still very much alive. Things are on hold, however, pending resolution of these issues.
O'Connor says Bond attempted to break the college away from the society, claiming such a move was necessary "for both financial and moral reasons". Bond says Bishop James Timlin told him that the allegations of impropriety had been investigated and were unfounded.
Now, however, the archdiocese acknowledges that the priests have been relieved of their duties pending an investigation. According to an account in the Times-Leader of Wilkes-Barre, the investigation was launched based on claims by one apparent victim, and the church has not been able to talk directly with the victim.
Bond contends there have been many victims, over a period of several years. He further alleges a cover-up by Bishop Timlin and is demanding his resignation.
Spokespersons for the archdiocese were unavailable for comment today.
We will be following this story as new information becomes available.
