Pastor Removed From Andover Church Over Abuse Allegation, Pastor In Philadelphia Accused
ANDOVER (CBS) – Peter Gori, a pastor from St. Augustine's in Andover has been removed from active ministry, as has William Waters, pastor of St. Augustine Parish in Philadelphia, over allegations of abuse from the early 1990s.
The Archdiocese of Boston announced that Gori has been placed on administrative leave effective immediately. The allegations involve a minor and took place about 28 years ago.
Members of the church expressed grief and shock.
"I have seen him several times a month, like when we have guild meeting. He's a great guy. He always interacts really respectfully and great with the kids," said Heather Hoover-Borromeo.
Gori previously served in the Tribunal of the Archdiocese of Boston. He was a canon lawyer.
"The Archdiocese immediately informed law enforcement as well as forwarded the matter to his religious provincial, the Augustinian Order of St. Thomas of Villanova," the Archdiocese of Boston said in a statement. "The Augustinian Province will be responsible for investigating the case involving Fr. Gori."
Attorney Mitchell Garabedian is representing the accuser. Garabedian called the victim "courageous" and added that his client was abused from 1987-1990 when he was 8-10 years old. Garabedian said another area priest, who has since moved out of state, abused his client before Gori did.
""It was eating at him. He just had to get the weight off his shoulders. He wants to try to heal," said Garabedian.
In a letter to the parish, Gori wrote, "I assure you, as I assured the provincial, the accusation is false."
He also said, "I cannot live in the parish rectory and I cannot publicly celebrate the sacraments without special permission. So, you will not be seeing me for a while, and I appreciate your prayerful support."
Father William Waters, who has served as Saint Augustine Parish in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia since 2014, is also accused of molesting the same man.
Chief Communications Officer of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Kenneth A. Gavin released a statement, which said, "Archdiocesan administration has no knowledge of this allegation until it was shared by the Augustinians. No allegations of this kind have been lodged against Father Waters previously. He has voluntarily stepped aside as pastor pending the outcome of this matter. The Archdiocese has placed him on administrative leave pending the outcome. While on administrative leave he will not be able to function publicly as a priest and will have no access to parish or school facilities."
Cardinal Sean O'Malley encourages anyone in need of support to call (617) 746-5985.
