Priest suspended while allegations of misconduct with minors investigated
Administrator | Oct 01, 2019 | Comments 6
A Picton priest has been put on administrative leave effective immediately.
The Archdiocese of Kingston released information Monday that it became aware of a historical report about Reverend Robert J. Chisholm, Pastor of St. Gregory the Great Parish, Picton, relating to the mid-1990s where he was investigated “for possible violations of appropriate conduct with minors”.
It does not state where Chisholm was a pastor at the time.
“The Archdiocese has investigated this report and has found a semblance of truth,” the Archdiocese report states.The allegations are being forwarded to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
“Pending receipt of instructions from the Congregation, Father Chisholm has been placed on indefinite administrative leave, without faculties to exercise priestly ministry, effective immediately.”
In the church’s weekly bulletin, it is noted Chisholm will be on vacation Oct. 13 to 26, in Egypt, touring the pyramids and Nile River.
Chisholm was in the news in June due to the publication of a church bulletin telling Catholics and Christians that ‘Pride’ events are contrary to faith and morals.
Following, Michael Mulhall, Archbishop of Kingston stated he did not sanction the message and “it does not reflect the spirit of accompanying charity and compassion that should always characterize our faith.”
The bulletin caused a social media firestorm and led to hundreds of community members from the County and beyond meeting at the church to create a rainbow of support and love in the fact of the anti-gay church message.
Chisholm told various media outlets “We’re just promoting Catholic teaching, that’s all” and noted he wrote the message “Because as a shepherd, it’s my duty to keep my flock safe.”
Filed Under: Local News
Meanwhile Chisholm had confirmed to media “We’re just promoting Catholic teaching” and he wrote the message “Because as a shepherd, it’s my duty to keep my flock safe.”
Attention congregation: Damage control needed. Given how many comments were posted by members during the summer in support of Chisholm’s messages, you may want to stand up and be counted now too in support of victims. Perhaps innocent until proven guilty, but given the Catholic church’s history, an admission of a “semblance of truth” is likely an admission closer to more like many pounds of truth and outright guilt. Their strategy has long been to deny, deny, deny and transfer the offending priest to another area to start all over again ruining lives…
D.Fox….Or all the church’s buildings that do not pay any property taxes
If any other organization had a track record (stretching over many years) for child abuse like The Church does they would be disbanded, with most of their leaders thrown in jail. I feel true sadness for their faithful followers, because they have been let down and betrayed by those they placed trust in. I am at the point where I no longer want to see my tax dollars supporting the schools system that is associated with The Church.
That’s Christianity and religion in general … I hear the hours are very good.
It was poetic justice.
I feel like I’m the only one that seems to have read this news item. A few short months ago this man was baselessly accusing members of the LGBTQ community of the very acts that he is now accused of and many in his parish were quite happy to jump on the bandwagon in his support but in stark contrast nothing is being said now that the shoe is on the other foot….hypocrisy?