Fr. James P. McSorley

Order: OMI
Ordained: 1946
Status: Settled

Died: 05/27/2005
Diocese: Archdiocese of Portland OR

Philippines missionary for 15 years, then moved often. Worked in Dioceses of Oakland CA, Monterey CA, Boise City ID, Great Falls-Billings MT, and Archdioceses of Los Angeles CA, Portland OR, Seattle WA, Miami FL, and as an Army chaplain in Germany. Last name sometimes spelled “McSorely” in the Catholic Directories. Accused in 2002 suit of molesting a boy in 1964 at St. Alice’s in Springfield, OR. Also accused of abuse in 1960s when in Germany. Archdiocese paid $100K to settle a claim in 2003. In 2018 a man told reporters McSorley abused him and other boys in Boise when he was age 12, 1971-72. He said he told the diocese in 1993 and again in 2000. McSorley died 5/27/05 . Name included on Seattle archdiocese’s list 1/15/16. On Oakland diocese’s list in 2019. On Boise’s list 10/19.


Return to main database page. See abbreviations and posting policy. Send corrections.

Our Database of Publicly Accused does not state or imply that individuals facing allegations are guilty of a crime or liable for civil claims. The reports contained in the database are merely allegations. The U.S. legal system presumes that a person accused of or charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty. Similarly, individuals who may be defendants in civil actions are presumed not to be liable for such claims unless a plaintiff proves otherwise. Admissions of guilt or liability are not typically a part of civil or private settlements. For more information, see our posting policy.