Bishop Joseph Keith Symons

Ordained: 1958
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Palm Beach FL

Bishop of the Palm Beach Diocese from 1990 until he 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. The Bishop of Pensacola-Tallassahee knew of abuse by Symons in 1995 but did nothing. By 1999 Symons was leading spiritual retreats for adults in MI. Included on the St. Petersburg diocese’s list of credibly accused. 


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