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STATEMENT BY BISHOP NICHOLAS DIMARZIO DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN AUG. 23, 2004
I was profoundly saddened by the report of allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior made by a young man that led to the indictment and arrest of Father Joseph P. Byrns, the former pastor of St. Rose of Lima Church, Parkville. My delegates and I will follow this painful matter as it moves through the judicial system. Be assured that we will cooperate fully with the courts and law enforcement agencies in whatever way they may need our assistance.
As for the status of Father Byrns in the Diocese of Brooklyn, in 2002, after the Queens District Attorney found earlier allegations of sexual misconduct with minors made against Father Byrns to be credible, Bishop Thomas V. Daily placed him on administrative leave. This meant he was not permitted to function publicly as a priest, and not permitted to present himself publicly as a priest.
After the Diocesan Review Board also found the prior allegations credible, I accepted the panel’s recommendation that Father Byrns not be permitted to return to active ministry. At that point, I forwarded the case to the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith for further instruction.
I repeat my recent appeals for anyone who wishes to report an instance of sexual misconduct against a minor by a member of the clergy to do so by calling a toll-free number: (888) 634-4499. The information will be directed immediately to the District Attorney’s Office, to the diocesan Victim/Survivor Coordinator and to me or my delegate.
While I regret the present circumstance and await its outcome, it provides me an opportunity once again to apologize to all victims of clergy sexual abuse. As the U.S. bishops promised in the “Charter for Protection of Children and Young People” two years ago, I will continue to do my part, with God’s help, to restore the bonds of trust that unite us.
As people of faith who are members of the Body of Christ, we pray for all those who have been so deeply affected by this difficult situation.
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