Deceased priest found credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor by Richmond Diocese

The Catholic Diocese of Arlington has been advised that an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor against Msgr. Edward P. Browne was determined to be credible by the Diocese of Richmond's Review Board.  Msgr. Browne died in August 2002; the allegation, which involved an incident that took place prior to the establishment of the Diocese of Arlington in 1974, was reported posthumously.  

Msgr. Browne was ordained as a priest of the Diocese of Richmond in 1951. His assignments in Northern Virginia included St. Charles Borromeo in Arlington (1951-55), St. Rita in Alexandria (1967-72), St. Bernadette in Springfield (1972-86), and St. Michael in Annandale (1986-2000).  He also served at several parishes in the current territory of the Diocese of Richmond.  When the Diocese of Arlington was formed in 1974, he was incardinated as a priest of the Diocese of Arlington.

The Diocese of Arlington encourages anyone who knows of any misconduct or abuse on the part of any cleric or employee of the Diocese to report it to the Virginia Attorney General hotline (VirginiaClergyHotline.com), and also to contact the diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator at (703) 841-2530. The diocesan child protection policy is available online at arlingtondiocese.org/clergyabuse.

Bishop Burbidge asks all in the Diocese of Arlington to pray that, through the mercy and compassion of Our Lord, all victims of sexual abuse may find healing and consolation.