November 22, 2019 - Archdiocese of Boston Announces Completion of Saint John Seminary Review

Archdiocese of Boston
November 22, 2019

https://www.bostoncatholic.org/Utility/News-And-Press/Content.aspx?id=35992

The Archdiocese of Boston today announced the completion of the independent inquiry into St. John’s Seminary following allegations published on social media last year by two former seminarians. The allegations included claims that the Seminary tolerated illicit sexual behavior and excessive alcohol consumption on the part of seminarians and faculty.

The inquiry began in October 2018 and was conducted by former U.S. Attorney Donald K. Stern, with the assistance of Attorney Doug Salvesen and others at the firm Yurko, Salvesen & Remz. The process was extensive, including more than 80 interviews of current or former seminarians, faculty members, staff and Trustees. The inquiry found no evidence of criminal behavior or any sexual activity between seminarians and faculty members. It did conclude that “the Seminary had inadequate (and sometimes absent) leadership and oversight. This contributed to a lack of robust financial controls, a low tolerance for dissenting views, and insufficient attention paid to the seminarians’ human formation.” In addition it discovered only isolated incidents of sexual conduct and alcohol use that are inappropriate in a seminary setting.

Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley, OFM Cap. received the findings and recommendations from Mr. Stern and has reviewed the report with Rev. Stephen Salocks, Interim Rector of St. John’s Seminary and the Seminary Board of Trustees. Cardinal Sean was encouraged that Fr. Salocks and his leadership team had already implemented several of the nine recommendations made by Mr. Stern and his colleagues, including those involving the introduction of spending controls and alcohol use. Going forward the Seminary leadership will promptly address the remaining recommendations. Cardinal Sean, Chair of the Seminary Board of Trustees, has expressed his agreement with the recommendations for more substantive engagement of the talents, skills and judgement of the Board.

Commenting on the results of the inquiry, Cardinal Sean said “I am grateful for the thoughtful and comprehensive efforts of Mr. Stern and his team, their candor throughout the process and time given by all who participated in the interviews. I am especially grateful to St. John’s Seminary’s leadership, faculty, staff and students who have remained diligent and focused on academic life and priestly formation during the inquiry.”

He continued, “The inquiry has presented issues that require remedial action and oversight for ongoing compliance. I am confident that the facts brought forth by this report and the actions being taken to address those issues unite us in the commitment to ensure that St. John’s Seminary maintains a standard of excellence for the formation of men discerning the vocation of a life of service to the Church. With the help of God and vigilant attention to best practices, we will continue to provide superior seminary formation.”

Cardinal Sean will share the recommendations for St. John’s Seminary with the Archdiocese’s two other seminaries and advise the boards of those seminaries to carefully consider each recommendation in order to enhance their existing best practices. Additionally, he reiterated his commitment to proceed with reviews of the Archdiocese’s two other remaining seminaries.

The Cardinal also announced his intention to consult with the Board of Trustees with regard to appointing Interim Rector Fr. Salocks as the Permanent Rector and Associate Vice Rector Fr. Thomas MacDonald as Vice Rector for St. John’s Seminary.