Former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick has been criminally charged with sexually abusing a child; SNAP reacts.

Wellesley Massachusetts Police Detective Christopher Connelly today filed charges against former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, making him the high-ranking Catholic official to face criminal charges for sexually abusing a child here in the United States.

The brave victim, who does not wish to disclose his identity, told authorities he was sexually assaulted by McCarrick during a wedding reception at Wellesley College in the 1970s. McCarrick has been summoned to appear for an arraignment in late August.

We applaud the work by secular authorities in charging the former Cardinal. McCarrick can be prosecuted since he was not a resident of Massachusetts when the crimes are said to have occurred. McCarrick then lived in the rectory of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City while working as secretary to Cardinal Terence Cooke. McCarrick, a Monsignor at the time, held that position from 1971-1977.

In July 2018, the New York Times published a story detailing a pattern of sexual abuse of male seminarians and minors by the former Cardinal.  After a Church investigation and trial, he was found guilty of sexual crimes against adults and minors and he was dismissed from the clergy in February of 2019. McCarrick is the most senior Catholic official in modern times to be laicized and is believed to be the first cardinal ever laicized for sexual abuse. And now, the former Cardinal also faces criminal charges. 

We are elated that this serial predator is finally facing secular judgment for at least some of the abuse he inflicted. We hope this news inspires others to come forward and report their abuse to law enforcement.

CONTACT: Mike McDonnell, SNAP Communications Manager (267-261-0578, [email protected]), Becky Ianni, SNAP Virginia State Leader (703-801-6044, [email protected]), Brian Toale, SNAP New York (646-549-0372, [email protected]), Zach Hiner, SNAP Executive Director (517-974-9009, [email protected])


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