Catholic priest suing Diocese of Palm Beach

By Ted White
WPBF
January 11, 2017

http://www.wpbf.com/article/catholic-priest-suing-diocese-of-palm-beach/8587446

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. —

A south Florida priest is suing the Palm Beach Diocese claiming he was ostracized after blowing the whistle on another priest.

Father John Gallagher says two years ago, the diocese cut off communication with him for notifying police when he learned a visiting priest from India had been showing child porn.

That priest admitted to the crime and was convicted.

He said the diocese demoted him, removed his belongings from the rectory and changed the locks so he couldn't get back in.

WPBF 25 News asked Gallagher what he hopes the lawsuit will do.

"Vindication and clearing of my name. I did what was right. I upheld the law and I followed their law. And this is how I've been treated," Gallagher said.

Gallagher said he has been unable to work in a parish ever since and the diocese wants him to seek treatment at a facility for deviant priests.

The diocese said it stands by its statement from a year ago:

"The Diocese of Palm Beach acted in a prompt, thorough, and cooperative manner in regard to Father Palimattom. Father Gallagher was not in any way demoted or removed because of the incident."

"He was not named as pastor of Holy Name of Jesus Church for a number of reasons not related to the incident involving Father Palimattom. He was given a new assignment with all the reasons explained to him."