Bishop Joseph Keith Symons

Ordained: 1958
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Palm Beach FL

Ordained for the St. Augustine diocese in 1958. Became a priest of the St. Petersburg diocese when it was created in 1968. Made Auxiliary Bishop in 1981, then appointed Bishop of Pensacola-Tallahassee in 1983. Appointed Bishop of the Palm Beach Diocese 1990. Symons admitted in 1995 to sexually abusing a boy years prior; the Bishop of Pensacola-Tallassahee did nothing. Resigned in 6/1998 when it was revealed that he had molested five boys early in his ministry (1958-1960s) in the Miami archdiocese. The news was made public after a victim came forward to a church official. Symons admitted the abuse and also to the abuse of the other four youths. By 1999 Symons was leading spiritual retreats for adults in MI. Included on the St. Petersburg diocese’s list of credibly accused. Included in the MI Attorney General’s 12/16/2024 Diocese of Lansing Report. 


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