USA: Senior priest resigns after misconduct allegations

Source: USCCB/ICN/WPI

A senior American priest resigned this week, after the Catholic blog 'The Pillar' informed US bishops they were going to publish allegations acquired from an anonymous source suggesting that he had visited the gay dating site 'Grindr.'

The US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) said in a brief statement on Monday they "became aware of impending media reports alleging possible improper behaviour by its general secretary, Monsignor Jeffrey Burrill.

"What was shared with us did not include allegations of misconduct with minors. However, in order to avoid becoming a distraction to the operations and ongoing work of the Conference, Monsignor Burrill has resigned, effective immediately. The Conference takes all allegations of misconduct seriously and will pursue all appropriate steps to address them."

Mgr Jeffrey D Burrill, STL, was elected USCCB General Secretary by the body of bishops on November 16, 2020.

The USCCB General Secretary coordinates all administrative matters of the Conference, and is responsible for the coordination of the work of the Conference Committees and staff. He likewise directs and coordinates the planning and operational activities of the various secretariats and offices in support of the work of the Conference.

Mgr Burrill is a priest of the Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin, where he served as pastor of St Bronislava Church from 2013-2016. Previously, he served at the Pontifical North American College in Rome from 2009-2013, first as director of apostolic formation and then as the Carl J Peter chair of homiletics, formation advisor, and director of media relations. He was pastor of the tri-parishes of St Mary's, Durand, Holy Rosary, Lima, and Sacred Heart of Jesus in Mondovi, Wisconsin, from 2001 through 2009. He taught and served as chaplain at Regis High School and Middle School in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, from 1999 to 2001.

Mgr Burrill earned a bachelor of arts degree from Saint Mary's College Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona, Minnesota, in 1994; a bachelor of sacred theology from the Gregorian University in Rome in 1997; and a licentiate in ecumenical theology from the Angelicum University, also in Rome, in 1999. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1998 in the Diocese of La Crosse. He served in several leadership positions for the diocese, including six years as a regional vicar and two terms on the Diocesan Presbyteral Council. Mgr Burrill also served as the ecumenical officer and as a member of the seminary admissions board.

Mike Lewis, editor of 'Where Peter Is' comments on the story here: https://wherepeteris.com/more-shadow-than-light/