Statement regarding Father James Roth, O.S.F.S.

In January of 2015, an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor by Fr. James Roth, O.S.F.S. was received by his religious order, the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales (in the Toledo-Detroit Province). The allegation relates to misconduct 14 years ago in the United States.

Fr. Roth had assignments in the Archdiocese of Toronto from 2004 through 2015. These included chaplaincy duties at Ryerson University, responsibilities with his religious order locally as well as serving most recently in support of religious education initiatives at the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, who have communicated regarding this issue with their employees earlier this week.

As per archdiocesan and religious order protocols, within hours of the report of misconduct, Fr. Roth was removed from ministry. He returned to the United States, where law enforcement was informed and an investigation commenced. Fr. Roth passed away in February 2015, shortly after returning to the United States. There have been no accusations of sexual abuse related to Fr. Roth's ministry in the Archdiocese of Toronto.

The church strongly condemns any form of abuse. If at any time, an individual wishes to come forward with an allegation of misconduct, they can contact the Archdiocese of Toronto's Office of the Judicial Vicar at (416) 934-0606. Father Roth's religious order has also posted information on a special web page at: tdprovince.org​ regarding this situation. The Archdiocese of Toronto's safe environment policy​ can be accessed anytime online​.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted by the devastation of abuse.