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Father Joseph W. Kenney was named among twelve priests in a 2002 lawsuit against the Archdiocese of Boston, Cardinal Law, and other church officials. The lawsuit alleged that church authorities failed to respond to complaints of sexual abuse, protected perpetrators, and sought to cover up evidence of that abuse. Father Kenney died in January 1992, before the allegations against him became public. Because he died prior to or during any canonical process, the Archdiocese’s 2011 list of accused priests records no formal determination of guilt — though his name and the associated allegations remain part of the documented historical record.
The sexual abuse allegations surrounding Father Kenney reflect the long-lasting consequences of clergy abuse and the institutional failures that, according to survivors and plaintiffs, allowed it to continue unchecked. By including his name on its 2011 public list, the Archdiocese acknowledged that these allegations meet the threshold for disclosure, providing important context for survivors and underscoring the ongoing need for transparency and accountability.
With decades of dedicated advocacy, we have held abusers and institutions accountable, helping survivors secure justice and the resources to move forward.
For over two decades, we have focused solely on advocating for survivors, combining legal skill with compassion to guide them toward justice and healing.
We are honored to have guided thousands of survivors through the legal process, offering support, advocacy, and the resources they need to reclaim their lives.
For those who may have been harmed by Father Kenney’s alleged conduct, civil legal options may provide a path to acknowledgement and institutional accountability. Even after the death of an accused priest, survivors may be able to pursue legal processes that address the consequences of institutional negligence — potentially securing resources to support recovery and healing. Civil action may offer survivors recognition, validation, and a sense of agency over their own stories, allowing those whose trust may have been violated to be heard and supported.
Taking legal action can also serve a broader purpose. By pursuing accountability, survivors help ensure that historical misconduct is documented, that institutional responsibility is taken seriously, and that future generations may be better protected. Civil remedies provide a framework in which survivors can be heard and supported on their journey toward healing — one grounded in the understanding that truth and accountability are essential to that process.
Every survivor deserves compassion and acknowledgment. This video explains how civil law empowers individuals harmed by clergy abuse to pursue accountability and closure. Justice extends beyond courtrooms; it allows survivors to reclaim their voice and aids them on their healing journey. Survivors across Massachusetts continue proving that truth carries strength and healing begins with being heard.
Our experienced and compassionate team of attorneys, investigators, paralegals, and support staff have extensive training in working with sexual abuse victims.
These cases are complex; however, our team are experts in these types of cases and will diligently ensure our clients are compensated for full and fair value. We always do our best to help our clients heal by giving them a voice
and helping them seek a measure of justice.
Massachusetts Disclaimer:Herman Law has a multistate practice representing victims of sexual abuse in civil cases. A Herman Law attorney is licensed to practice law in Massachusetts. Each case is different, and results in prior cases do not assure a similar outcome in future cases. If there is no recovery, no fees or expenses will be charged. Attorney Advertising by Jenny Rossman.
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