Diocese of Scranton removes priest on child sex abuse allegations

SCRANTON — The Diocese of Scranton announced on Thursday the removal of the Rev. John Ruth after the Diocesan Review Board concluded that allegations that the priest had inappropriate sexual contact with a minor appeared credible.

Ruth, 65, was suspended and removed from ministry as of Sept. 4 due to the sexual abuse claim, which was reported to have occurred from the late 1970s to the mid 1980s.

The Diocese of Scranton said it conducted an investigation and an initial review by the Diocesan Review Board found the claim appeared credible.

“The Diocese of Scranton’s ‘Policy for Response to Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors,’ and the United States Conference of Catholic ‘Bishop’s Charter for Protection of Children and Young People,’ both have a zero-tolerance policy for the sexual abuse of a minor and require the removal from ministry of any cleric or other religious, upon determination of a credible claim of sexual misconduct with a minor,” the statement read.

Ruth has not been criminally charged.

The allegation of abuse was reported to civil authorities by the Diocese of Scranton, officials said.

Prior to suspension, Ruth was serving as pastor of Most Holy Trinity Parish, Susquehanna, a position he held since October of 2023.

To report an allegation of sexual abuse or any other criminal activity perpetrated by a priest, deacon, employee or volunteer of the Diocese of Scranton, contact your local law enforcement agency and/or the Diocese of Scranton victim assistance coordinator, Mary Beth Pacuska, at 570-862-7551.