The Legionaries of Christ respect the decision of the court and the legal process. We recognize the courage it takes for someone to come forward with a report of abuse and participate in a legal process. Our prayers for healing are with the individual who brought this case forward and we apologize profoundly and sincerely to them for what they suffered and for the pain it has caused.
Father Gannon has been out of public ministry since he was charged in March 2024. He plans to pursue an appeal, and he maintains his innocence. We will continue to cooperate with the legal process as it unfolds, and we will initiate appropriate canonical processes in accordance with Church norms.
We know this news will be difficult and disturbing—especially for those who place their trust in the Church and its priests. We also recognize that any news of a case of sexual assault can have a complex and painful impact, especially for those who are survivors of abuse. To all who feel hurt, betrayed, or disillusioned, we offer our sincerest apologies and our ongoing commitment to rebuilding trust through concrete action.
We reaffirm our commitment to truth, accountability, transparency, and justice, asking our Lord to strengthen and guide us as we examine our work for ways that we can continue to improve our protection of minors and vulnerable adults. Today we feel the weight of what has occurred and recommit ourselves with a firm resolve to build safe and healing environments wherever we serve.
We remain dedicated to accompanying and offering support to those who have been hurt and ensuring that every person who wishes to report a concern or potential situation of abuse is treated with dignity and care. We encourage anyone seeking support or wishing to report a concern to contact our Program Coordinator for Pastoral Care, Abby Foley at afoley@arcol.org or (678) 467-9348 and to report any situations of possible abuse to the appropriate authorities.
We ask for your prayers for the victim in this case, for everyone impacted, and for all those who carry wounds of abuse, known and unknown, in the Church and beyond. May the Lord bring peace, healing, and justice to all hearts.
The Legionaries of Christ Safe Environment team seeks to promote healing paths for people who are survivors of abuse, and to ensure that all means are in place to prevent abuse in the future.
To share a concern or report a potential situation of abuse, contact Abby Foley at afoley@arcol.org or (678) 467-9348, or go to 0abuse.org.