SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The Diocese of Scranton announced the removal of Father John Ruth after the Diocesan Review Board said accusations against him alleging inappropriate contact with a minor appeared to be credible.
On Thursday, August 22, the dioceses were made aware of a report of inappropriate sexual contact by Father John Ruth with a minor occurring from the late 1970s to the mid-1980s.
The Diocese of Scranton launched an investigation, and following the review by the Diocesan Review Board, the Diocese has determined that the claim appears credible.
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"The Diocese of Scranton’s Policy for Response to Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors, and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop’s Charter for Protection of Children and Young People, both have a zero-tolerance policy for the sexual abuse of a minor and require the removal from ministry of any cleric or other religious, upon determination of a credible claim of sexual misconduct with a minor," stated officials with the dioceses.
The diocese noted that Ruth has not been criminally charged.
"The allegation of abuse has been reported to civil authorities by the Diocese of Scranton and the Diocese will cooperate fully with any law enforcement investigation," a media release stated.
Father Ruth, 65, has been suspended and is removed from ministry due to an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor, as of September 4.
