More Than 50 Altar Boys Vouch for Traditional Detroit Priest
by Christine Niles, Church Militant:
More than 50 altar servers are vouching for the moral integrity of Detroit’s Fr. Eduard Perrone, placed on leave after a single 40-year-old allegation of abuse arising from a “repressed memory”.
The longtime priest, known for his orthodoxy and promotion of traditional liturgy, as well as his attempts to expose the homosexual priestly network in Detroit, was placed on leave July 5 by the archdiocese of Detroit. It issued a letter explaining his removal the same day, while leaving out any mention that Perrone categorically denies the allegation and maintains his innocence.
Since then, 51 men who at one time served as altar boys for Fr. Perrone have signed affidavits testifying to his character.
“We are all altar boys who have served with Fr. Perrone at some point over the years,” the letter states.
It notes that during that time:
- We have all served at Mass with Fr. Perrone, some of us on a one-on-one basis.
- Most of us have interacted with him at graduation parties, weddings and other social and community gatherings.
- Some of us have attended day-long canoe trips.
- Some of us have attended overnight retreats and traveled with him to out-of-town conferences and events.
- Some of us have participated in his various children’s and adult choirs over the years.
- Some of us have spent significant time with him, one-on-one, to prepare for liturgical or musical events, or to seek spiritual guidance.
- Some of us are now married and consider ourselves blessed to have had Fr. Perrone as the celebrant at our weddings.
- Many of us continue to make Assumption Grotto our home parish, despite long commutes and other inconveniences, and involve our own children in Assumption Grotto activities with children.
“Collectively, we have spent tens of thousands of hours with Fr. Perrone in circumstances like these, among others,” the letter continues. “Many of us were vulnerable at some point during this period, due to young age or other factors.”
“However, none of us have ever experienced, or observed, any immoral or inappropriate behavior by Fr. Perrone in connection with his interactions with altar boys or any other parishioners,” it reads.
The letter notes that they have never witnessed from the priest “Inappropriate physical contact,” “Suggestive conversations,” Emotional abuse or coercion,” or “Encouragement or facilitation of underage drinking.”
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