Outcome of the Investigation Into Alleged Misconduct by Father David Barton, LC

September 22, 2022 | Atlanta — The Legionaries of Christ provide an update regarding allegations received of misconduct against Father David Barton, LC.

A thorough third-party investigation found that Father David Barton failed to keep the Legionaries of Christ’s Code of Conduct in several instances. These did not rise to the level of canonical, criminal, or civil crimes. Father Barton acknowledges past immaturity and poor judgment.

The findings were presented to the Legionaries of Christ’s safe environment review board and the Territorial Council. They recommended that Father Barton may return to ministry with some restrictions. The Legion’s North American Territorial Director has accepted these recommendations.

The Legion of Christ apologizes to all those who have been negatively affected by Father Barton’s actions. The Legion of Christ and Fr. Barton are committed to his continued growth through the oversight and support of his religious superiors.

September 16, 2021 | Atlanta — In alignment with the policies of the Archdiocese of New York, the Legionaries of Christ communicate the following:

On Sunday, September 12, 2021, an individual made an online report to the Archdiocese of New York regarding alleged misconduct against Father David Barton, LC.

On Tuesday, September 14, 2021, another individual came forward and filed a complaint of misconduct against Fr. David Barton, LC, to the Legionaries of Christ. This person was an adolescent at the time of the alleged incident.

On September 15, 2021 the Legionaries of Christ opened an investigation into the allegations. Father Barton has been fully cooperating. At the conclusion of the investigation, the Legionaries of Christ will publish the results.

For the duration of the investigation, Father Barton has been placed on administrative leave. This is a prudential measure during the investigation of this claim; it does not represent a determination of his guilt or innocence.

We are grateful to those who have come forward and encourage others who may have been negatively impacted to contact the Legionaries of Christ’s pastoral care advocate for the United States, Abby Saunders.

Abby Saunders, Program Coordinator for Pastoral Care

Email: asaunders@arcol.org

Phone: (678) 467-9348

The Legionaries of Christ remain committed to creating and maintaining a safe environment for all people who interact with our priests and are involved in our ministries. Every Legionary of Christ in North America receives ongoing training by VIRTUS in keeping with our Praesidium accreditation.