The USA Northeast Province of Jesuits today posted on its website, jesuitseast.org, the names of Jesuits and former Jesuits, living or deceased, with one or more credible allegations of sexual abuse of minors in its territory since 1950. The province released the names, it said, as part of its commitment to “prevent abuse and contribute to the process of restoring trust.”
The list includes two Jesuits who worked at Boston College more than 70 years ago. The incidents alleged against the two Jesuits, now deceased, did not occur while they were assigned to Boston College.
Joseph Fox, S.J., taught at Boston College before ordination between 1931 and 1934, and then returned as a priest from 1939-1943. Misconduct claims were raised against him in 2012 regarding incidents that occurred in 1956-1957. He died in 1988.
Joseph McInnes, S.J., was at Boston College between 1946 and 1947, and left the Society of Jesus in 1950, but remained a priest. Allegations were raised in the 2000s regarding conduct between the 1960s and 1980s. He died in 1986.
The posting noted that since 2002, when the Catholic Church established the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, the Northeast Province has developed clear procedures to respond to allegations of sexual abuse of minors brought against its members: “Our awareness of the nature and effect of abuse of minors has changed dramatically over the years. We are diligent in investigating all accusations of abuse of a minor, and we do not allow anyone with a credible allegation to engage in public ministry. We recognize now our failures of the past in this regard, and we are deeply sorry.”
The statement also urged those who may have been abused by a Jesuit or a province employee to contact Kristin Austin, Victim Assistance Coordinator for the Northeast Province, at 443-370-6357, or write to the USA Northeast Province of the Society of Jesus, 39 East 83rd Street, New York, NY 10028.
University Communications