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Fr. Burton removed for sexual misconduct

Father C. Jeffries Burton, a Jesuit, has been removed from his position as pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Richmond.

Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo, in agreement with the Provincial of the Jesuits’ Maryland Province, Father Timothy Brown, removed Father Burton after learning about an allegation of sexual misconduct with an older adolescent that was made against Father Burton in 1994.

The incident was acknowledged by Father Burton and took place in another diocese in 1982.

“Although the incident happened many years ago and no other allegations have been made against Father Burton, the Maryland Province’s Policies, like our own policies on sexual abuse of a minor, call for the immediate removal from ministry of any priest who has had a credible allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor brought against him at any time,” Bishop DiLorenzo said in a statement.

Father Burton has left Virginia and will undergo evaluation and counseling.

Jesuit Father Henry Haske has filled in temporarily until the arrival of Jesuit Father Shay Auerbach, the newly appointed parish administrator, who was to arrive on July 15.

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