Newark priest Fugee is laicized
March 18, 2014
As the result of a Vatican decision, a Newark priest who violated a judicial order not to have contact with children has been returned to the lay state, according to a Newark Star-Ledger report.
“Very recently all the procedures were completed,” said archdiocesan spokesman Jim Goodness. “He is no longer a priest of the archdiocese.”
In 2003, Michael Fugee was convicted of sexually abusing a 14-year-old boy. His conviction was later overturned on a technicality. In a 2007 agreement with prosecutors, he agreed not to have contact with children, and Archbishop John Myers named him a hospital chaplain and co-director of the Office of Continuing Education and Ongoing Formation of Priests.
Fugee resigned from active ministry in May following revelations that he had participated in ministry with young people in violation of the 2007 agreement. In a November agreement with prosecutors, Fugee agreed to seek laicization.
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Further information:
- Michael Fugee expelled from priesthood for flouting ban on contact with children (Newark Star-Ledger)
- Newark's Archbishop Myers defends handling of Fugee case (CWN, 6/25)
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