Star-Ledger: Brothers Tell Church Their Story

The Star-Ledger on Sunday, July 10, provides the fullest account yet of the allegations of clergy abuse 30 years ago in a Newark church. The priest, who for the past six years has served St. Philomena, has taken a leave to defend the charges.

The Rev. John J. Laferrera, monsignor at St. Philomena Roman Catholic Church in Livingston, strongly denies the allegations. “I tell you today that I have never abused a child,” Laferrera said in a during services last weekend.

The men who claim the abuse more than 30 years ago have protested outside of St. Philomena since a lawsuit was filed in March. The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and Archdiocese of Newark Review Board are reviewing their case.

The Star-Ledger’s report includes interviews with brothers who recently told their side to a review board of the Newark Archdiocese, supporters of Laferrera, and an explanation of the process when clergy abuse allegations are made to the Roman Catholic Church.

The story may be read here.

Laferrera has served at St. Philomena for the past seven years. Before that he served 13 years at St. Aloysius in Caldwell. The members of the class-action civil lawsuit against Laferrera are making claims of abuse that happened in the late 1970s and early 1980s, while he was pastor at Immaculate Conception Parish in Newark.

Laferrera said he is taking the leave of absence to devote time to his defense of the misconduct claims.

“It is said that in this country which values -- above all else -- the presumption of innocence, priests are treated as guilty immediately,” Laferrera said. “My reputation has been damaged and I must use all of my energy to repair it, although I know in my heart that such damage may be irreparable.”