Statement of the Diocese of Metuchen on Rev. Thomas Ganley

We have been informed that Rev. Thomas Ganley, a parochial vicar at St. Philip and St. James Catholic Church in Phillipsburg and a chaplain at Warren General Hospital, was charged Thursday afternoon with sexual assault involving a minor. It’s our understanding the victim just came forward to prosecutors as an adult with an allegation of abuse that occurred while a minor in the early 1990’s, which Fr. Ganley has reportedly admitted to law enforcement. As per Church protocol, he would then be removed from the priesthood. The diocese has never received an accusation of sexual abuse nor misconduct in the past regarding Father Ganley. He is currently in custody.

As is our protocol we are contacting all the parishes and diocesan organizations where he ministered to alert them of the charges.

Bishop Checchio lamented, “The sexual abuse of a minor is among the most terrible of crimes because it is committed against society’s most innocent and vulnerable. Incidences of this type truly sicken and sadden me. I am truly sorry to learn of this abuse and the suffering of this victim.” The Diocese of Metuchen is committed to continuing to provide pastoral care and counseling assistance to abuse victims and survivors. In keeping with our continued commitment to seek healing and justice, we ask anyone with information about this matter, or other situations of misconduct/abuse involving clergy or church personnel, to contact local law enforcement and our Victims Assistance Coordinator in our Office of Child and Youth Protection at 908-930-4558. Please keep all those affected by clergy sexual abuse in your prayers.