Catholic Priest

Lawrence P. Weniger

Ordained: 1934
Diocese: Diocese of Scranton

From Report I of the 40th Statewide Investigating Grand Jury for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania:

On February 26, 2002, the Diocese of Scranton was contacted by an adult male who stated that he was sexually abused by Father Lawrence P. Weniger in the 1960s when he served as an altar boy.  No further information was contained in the file.

On June 3, 2002, the Diocese was contacted by another adult male who stated that he was sexually abused by Weniger in the 1960’s. The male stated that he was seeking information and inquired about compensation for his painful memories.  Bishop James C. Timlin wrote a note stating that he had a good conversation with the male. Timlin wrote that he answered his questions and expressed how sorry he was.   The note indicated that the male felt that compensation was sufficient for him.

On December 27, 2011, the Diocese was contacted by Catholic Social Services who reported that an adult male had revealed that he had been sexually molested by Weniger in the 1960’s. The male was offered assistance with counseling and the allegation was reported to law enforcement.

Additional information regarding the widespread sexual abuse of children within the Catholic Dioceses of Pennsylvania and the systemic cover up by senior church officials is compiled in the Pennsylvania Diocese Victim’s Report published by the Pennsylvania Attorney General following a two-year grand jury investigation.  A complete copy of the Report is available on the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s website.