Abuse Allegation From 30 Years Ago Made Against Dutchess Pastor

Catholic New York
September 7, 2016

http://cny.org/stories/Abuse-Allegation-From-30-Years-Ago-Made-Against-Dutchess-Pastor,14431

An allegation of sexual abuse of a minor dating from approximately 30 years ago has been made against Father Anthony Giuliano, the pastor of St. John the Evangelist parish in Pawling and St. Charles Borromeo parish in Dover Plains.

A letter dated Aug. 31, addressed to members of the two parishes in Dutchess County, gave further details of the situation.

The letter, which was written by Auxiliary Bishop Gerald Walsh, the archdiocese’s vicar for clergy, said the allegation against Father Giuliano has been found credible, but it has not yet been substantiated and noted that Father Giuliano has denied it.

Until the matter is resolved, the letter said, Father Giuliano is not permitted to publicly function as a priest, according to the “policy and practice” of the archdiocese as well as the promises made in the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Bishop Walsh said that archdiocesan policy for priests “accused of such impropriety” includes “having the entire matter studied by professionals and our lay review board.” The letter also said the archdiocese has been working with law enforcement officials.

On Sunday, Sept. 4, Auxiliary Bishop Peter Byrne, who is episcopal vicar of Dutchess, Putnam and Northern Westchester, visited St. John the Evangelist Church and spoke to parishioners at the 9:30 a.m. Mass. The same day, the bishop also celebrated the 12:30 p.m. Spanish-language Mass at St. Charles Borromeo and addressed parishioners there.

Father Giuliano has served as pastor of St. Charles Borromeo since 2012, and he previously was administrator there for nine months. He has served as pastor of St. John the Evangelist in Pawling since 2013. He was ordained a priest of the archdiocese in 1984.

The letter from Bishop Walsh said that anyone with “concerns or suspicions about Father Giuliano during his time in Dutchess County” is “strongly urged” to contact the Dutchess County District Attorney at (845) 486-2300.