Fr. James Grear

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Ordained: 1970
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Lafayette IN

Accused in a 10/20/2011 suit of abusing a boy, beginning in 1975; boy attended Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish and school, Grear was dean of students at Brebeuf Jesuit Prep. Accused in a 9/2018 suit of abuse of boy at a Catholic youth rally in 1982. Accuser said he told Bishop Gallagher in confession the next week, who told him to ask God to forgive him, and not to tell anyone else. Suits in 11/2018 by two men allege Grear abused them as boys. On diocese’s list in 9/2018. Had been removed from public ministry in 10/2001, faculties removed. A suit filed in AZ in 10/2020 claims abuse of a boy starting in 1977. The boy was a Navajo Nation citizen; Grear worked at Chinle High School late 1970s-early 1980s. The suit says Grear was sent to AZ after allegations in IN, working mostly in Native American and rural communities. In 1982-1983 he was principal of a Crow Creek Sioux high school in SD, then back to AZ. Later moved to schools in MD, Guam, and NYC. Also taught at some point in the Virgin Islands. Included on the Gallup diocese’s list of credibly accused in 11/2021.


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