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Former Rootstown priest is removed Admits to sexual abuse of minor

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June 9, 2009

 

A priest who once served as pastor at St. Peter of the Fields Church in Rootstown has been removed from all ministry by the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown over an allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor.

A news release Saturday from the diocese said Bishop George V. Murry has placed the Rev. Thomas Crum on administrative leave over the allegation of abuse that occurred more than 30 years ago while Crum was on the faculty of Cardinal Mooney High School in Youngstown.

A news release from the diocese said the allegation came to light just last week and was immediately reported to civil authorities. Crum subsequently admitted to the allegation to church authorities, according to the diocese.

Crum resigned from his post as pastor of Our Lady of Peace Parish in Canton. He cannot publicly celebrate the sacraments, wear clerical clothes or present himself as a priest in good standing, according to the diocese.

Crum has been a priest in the diocese since 1975. He served on the faculty of Cardinal Mooney High School from 1975 to 1977.

Among his assignments, Crum also served as assistant pastor at Immaculate Conception Parish in Ravenna from 1985 to 1988 and was pastor at St. Peter of the Field in Rootstown from 1999 to 2005. Most recently, he was administrator and then pastor at Our Lady of Peace Parish in Canton from 2005.

 




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Previous 10 Comments    of 20 Total Comments
10.
    Posted by Seriously amused June 9, 2009
If it's true then it is a terrible thing. There is another tragedy here, it's the rush to judgment that others so freely throw out there. I'm not suggesting this man is innocent or guilty but I do know that from this article there is an allegation and the church is doing the appropriate thing by turning it over to the authorities. It never ceases to amaze me when abuse in a Catholic church is alleged or proven, suddenly there are those (onesmallvoice) implying it only happens in this religion. Do yourself a favor and google each religion with the word "abuse" after it. Perhaps then you will be enlightened. Abuse is not limited to the church, it is everywhere. Implying otherwise is ignorant. And as I take a big breath, I humbly suggest that "High Holy Grand Poo-Bah" take the time to re-read this article and come to a better understanding of what is actually written and try not to get ahead of yourself.

9.
    Posted by BeNice2All June 9, 2009
This DOES NOT only happen in the Catholic Church!!! There are sick-o's in EVERY Christian Denomination and EVERY walk of life! Evil knows no boundaries and for every sick person who hurts children (preists, clergy, parents, friends, teachers, scout leaders, etc.) ther are THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS who care for children and treat them with respect - THEY just don't get the media coverage the sick people get. Sick behavior "sells". God bless the victims of abuse.

8.
    Posted by High Holy Grand Poo-Bah June 9, 2009
Is any jail time going to come fom this or is he simply fired from his job?
Are the police involved? He got fired. big deal!

7.
    Posted by Nanny_Society June 9, 2009
This is sad indeed. We really like Father Tom. But, if he did it as he admits, then he must bear the consequences. I pray that both he and the victim can find resolution.

6.
    Posted by TheRoverReporter June 9, 2009
Whatever it waswhat he did was wrong and I will pray for him. But, do not go as far as saying this man was a blessing to St. Peter of the Fields.
This man was NOT a blessing to our church. Just ask anyone who is a member of the founding families of St. Peter. Prior to building a new church, he divided our parish families and drove people away if they did not see things HIS way. Many ex-members have yet to return to our parish. He took away our ability to vote for Parish Council by changing it to "Pastoral Council". We could nominate a member, who he would then interview and select who he wanted. There are too many additional issues to mention in this forum. But again I sayhe was far from being a "Blessing" to our church.

5.
    Posted by Sam589 June 9, 2009
This deeply saddens me. As a former parishoner of St. Pete's, I truly enjoyed having Father Tom as our priest. I am not in anyway condoning what he may have done, but he would have been very young when this occured, it could quite possibly mean he had relations with female student who could have been 17. That of course is a complete shot in the dark, I guess I am just trying to make up for the fact that the man who I felt was a blessing to our church could be so horrible.

4.
    Posted by onesmallvoice June 9, 2009
You really have to wonder why this happens in the Catholic Church. It is not just in this country, it is not just in the past, it is around the world and you hear about another one almost daily.

3.
    Posted by J-Man June 9, 2009
It's unbelievable how "men of god" can perform such sinful acts. And against children of all things?

2.
    Posted by pchillbilly June 9, 2009
At least now the Roman Catholic Church is trying to remove the bad apples from the barrel, unlike the decades (or centuries) of hiding their own mistakes and covering for each other.

Hopefully the alleged victim(s) will find peace.

1.
    Posted by marroos June 9, 2009
what a sick-o .. you will stand before you'r maker ...

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