CHARLOTTE (NC)
WCNC - NBC 36 [Charlotte NC]
May 29, 2025
By Nathaniel Puente
The Vatican confirms the Diocese of Charlotte’s decision to remove Father Patrick Hoare for alleged boundary violations with minors.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Vatican has upheld the Diocese of Charlotte’s decision to remove a priest from his pastoral role following allegations of violations with minors, ending a years-long appeals process, Bishop Michael T. Martin announced.
Father Patrick Hoare was removed as pastor of St. Matthew Parish in 2020 after the diocese’s Lay Review Board concluded that claims of boundary violations with minors had “a semblance of truth.” Hoare appealed the decision to the Holy See in Rome, which has now ruled that his removal was in accordance with canon law.
Martin said he will appoint a new pastor for St. Matthew Parish in the coming days, ending a period during which Father John Allen has served as interim administrator since 2019.
The review board examined three complaints against Hoare involving alleged boundary issues with minors observed in group settings at St. Matthew and St. John Neumann parishes. According to Martin’s letter to parishioners, the complaints involved inappropriate physical contact including hugging, shoulder and abdomen touching, and being “very touchy” with minors.
The board recommended Hoare remain out of ministry until completing an assessment and education program, which Martin said the priest has been undergoing.
The review also examined two separate allegations dating back 25 years to Pennsylvania, before Hoare’s ordination, involving accusations of inappropriate behavior with relatives when he was a teenager or young adult. Hoare denies those claims.
While the board found some of those older allegations “appeared credible,” it could not confidently determine the ages of those involved based on decades-old evidence and recollections. Pennsylvania authorities investigated the claims in 2020 but reported they were unable to pursue charges.
The Lay Review Board is an advisory group mandated by church law whose members are appointed by the diocesan bishop to independently evaluate misconduct claims against clergy and diocesan employees.
Martin acknowledged the prolonged process has been “long and difficult for many” but emphasized that “in matters involving the welfare of minors we do not take shortcuts or risks.”
The bishop said he will consider Hoare’s completion of recommended assessment and training, along with consultation with diocesan leaders and the review board, when determining the priest’s future role in the diocese.