UPDATED RELEASE ON DEC. 21, 2023:
STATEMENT ON CONCLUDED INVESTIGATION OF FATHER JUSTIN ROSS, OFM. CONV.
For Immediate Release
BALTIMORE, MD – In December 2020, the Archdiocese of Baltimore was informed by the Minister Provincial of the Franciscan Friars Conventual of an allegation of sexual misconduct against Father Justin Ross, OFM Conv. involving a young adult from outside of the Archdiocese. The Archdiocese of Baltimore removed the archdiocesan priestly faculties of Father Ross, who went on an indefinite leave of absence while the investigation by the Franciscan Friars continued. The Archdiocese shared this information publicly at that time in order to assist the investigation into the allegation against Father Ross.
An independent investigation commissioned by the Franciscan Friars substantiated some aspects of the adult’s allegations, and Father Ross acknowledged that he did not respect appropriate boundaries with the young adult. He has addressed these boundary issues through extensive counseling and spiritual direction which are ongoing. The investigation found no evidence of any sexual abuse of minors. Fr. Ross acted improperly as required by his vows as a friar, and he does not have priestly faculties of the Archdiocese and is not eligible for employment or ministry in the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
The Archdiocese of Baltimore and Our Lady of the Angels Province of the Franciscan Friars Conventual share a concern that its ministers always maintain fully appropriate boundaries, and pray for all those who have been harmed by a representative of the Church.
ORIGINAL STATEMENT:
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020
BALTIMORE, MD –The Archdiocese of Baltimore has been informed by the Minister Provincial of the Franciscan Friars Conventual of an allegation of sexual misconduct against Father Justin Ross, OFM Conv. involving a young adult from outside of the Archdiocese. The Archdiocese of Baltimore has removed the archdiocesan priestly faculties of Father Ross, who had been serving as the Archdiocese’s Delegate for Religious since March 18, 2019 and is now on an indefinite leave of absence effective immediately. Father Ross had been residing at the Franciscan Friary on the campus of Archbishop Curley High School although he was not employed and held no position with the Archbishop Curley High School Community. He is no longer living in the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
Father Ross is not permitted to minister in any capacity in the Archdiocese of Baltimore while the Franciscan Friars are investigating the allegation.
Anyone with information about inappropriate conduct by a representative of the Church is encouraged to contact the Archdiocese of Baltimore by calling Chancellor Diane Barr at 410-547-5446, by calling the Ethics Hotline at 1-888-572-8026, or by visiting www.archbalt.org and clicking on “Report Misconduct” at the top of the page. Anyone with information about inappropriate conduct by a Franciscan Friar Conventual of Our Lady of Angels Province is encouraged to contact Father Michael Heine OFM Conv at vicar2@olaprovince.org.
We pray that God gives all victim survivors the courage to step forward, as part of the healing of their pain. May God’s goodness and love empower all victim survivors with hope, strength, and peace.
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About the Archdiocese of Baltimore
The Archdiocese of Baltimore, established as a diocese in 1789, is the Premier See of the Roman Catholic Church in the United States. The archdiocese serves more than a half-million Catholics and encompasses most of the state of Maryland, serving the greater community in various ways.
Media Contacts
Archdiocese of Baltimore
Mary Ellen Russell
410.547.3158 (office)
443.994.0879 (cell)
Our Lady of the Angels Province
Kevin Keenan
410.547.3158 (office)
716.481.6806 (cell)