Frequently Requested Documents

Diocesan archives contain many documents that offer general insight into the sexual abuse crisis and the bishops' involvement.

Boston Okays Shanley for California

In this document, Most Rev. Robert J. Banks, the Boston archdiocese's vicar for administration and future bishop of Green Bay WI, recommends Rev. Paul R. Shanley to the diocese of San Bernardino as a "priest in good standing" who has "no problem that would be a concern to your diocese." Banks asks for assistance, if necessary, in placing Shanley in a rectory in exchange for Shanley's celebration of Mass. Yet Banks himself had previously received a complaint about Shanley, as had his boss, Cardinal Law, and Shanley's file contained another complaint dating from 1967.