Diocese of the Catholic Church inLI, already dealing with a sexual abuse bill amounting to $323 million, finds itself embroiled in a fresh scandal as another clergyman is accused.
In a shocking turn of events, Rev. John Adjei-Boamah, a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Rockville Centre, Long Island, has been charged with sexual abuse misdemeanors. The Nassau County Police Department arrested Adjei-Boamah, 43, for his alleged actions, which took place in the kitchen of the St. Catherine of Sienna Roman Catholic Church rectory in Franklin Square.
The charges include forcible touching and sexual abuse. Adjei-Boamah, who joined the St. Catherine of Sienna Roman Catholic Church in June 2023 after immigrating from Ghana, pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was arraigned and released on his own recognizance with an order of protection for the accuser.
The alleged incident occurred on March 6, and the Diocese of Rockville Centre reported it to the authorities on May 30. This case comes amidst ongoing issues of sexual abuse within religious institutions and the importance of investigation and accountability in such matters.
The Diocese of Rockville Centre, one of the largest in the country, is currently facing numerous sex-abuse scandals. In December, the Diocese agreed to pay out $323 million to settle sex-abuse claims, one of the largest settlements ever of its kind. The Diocese filed for bankruptcy in 2020 due to hundreds of sex-abuse lawsuits.
The St. Catherine of Sienna Roman Catholic Church rectory, where the alleged incident occurred, is under the oversight of the Diocese of Rockville Centre. Adjei-Boamah was ordained in 2011 and had previously served in the Diocese of Konongo-Mampong in Ghana before immigrating to the United States.
In light of the allegations, Father John Adjei-Boamah will be stepping away from all ministries during the review of this matter. The Diocese of Rockville Centre has requested understanding and prayers regarding the situation. As of the latest reports, there are no mentions of specific settlements related to this case.
Science and health-and-wellness experts should pay close attention to the ongoing sexual-health issues within religious institutions, particularly the Diocese of Rockville Centre, given the alarming number of sex-abuse scandals and the significant settlements reached in such cases. The sexual health of congregants and community members may be at risk due to these misconducts, underscoring the need for thorough investigations and accountability within religious organizations.
