Statement regarding Paul LaCharite

Sept. 7, 2012

Late this afternoon, the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts was informed by the Middlesex District Attorney's Office of the arrest of the Rev. Paul LaCharite on charges of assault to rape a child and indecent assault and battery on a child.  He is a former rector of St. James's Church in Somerville and a priest associate at Old North Church in Boston.  The diocese is cooperating fully with the investigation and is making arrangements for pastoral care for the congregations where Paul LaCharite had affiliations.  The Episcopal Church's canonical disciplinary process was initiated upon receipt of the news from the District Attorney's Office.

The diocese faces this situation with real sorrow and concern, and remains committed to making congregations safe through transparency, diligence, care for victims and due process.   Bishop M. Thomas Shaw, SSJE asks the diocesan community to hold all affected in prayer.