Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Fr. David Roney’s Sexual Abuse in Guatemala
What is the published book referenced in FOSL’s statement?
Unforgivable: An Abusive Priest and the Church that Sent Him Abroad, by Kevin Lewis O’Neill, released February 25, 2025.
Did any of Fr. Roney’s abuse in Guatemala happen since the time FOSL was formed in 2012?
No. Fr. Roney was in Guatemala from 1973 until his death in 2003, and FOSL was formed in 2012.
When did Fr. Roney serve in San Lucas?
Fr. David Roney began making annual visits to San Lucas in 1973. In 1994, the Diocese of New Ulm approved Fr. Roney’s request to serve in Guatemala, where he assisted as a priest at the Mission. In 2002, the Diocese removed him from his ministry. He lived in San Lucas until his death on January 27, 2003 and is buried in San Lucas.
How many children were abused in Guatemala?
It is documented that at least one child was abused between 1994 and 2003 in Guatemala. Fr. Roney did have a known history of abuse in Minnesota before going to Guatemala; it’s possible there were other victims.
What did Fr. Greg Schaffer know about Fr. Roney’s abuse?
Fr. Roney did have a known history of abuse in Minnesota before moving to Guatemala.
Unforgivable documents conversations between members of the New Ulm Diocese and Fr. Greg in which he was notified about the abuse in Minnesota and was asked to keep an eye on Fr. Roney in Guatemala.
When and why was FOSL formed?
Friends of San Lucas (FOSL) was formed in 2012, after the death of Fr. Greg Schaffer. FOSL was formed to continue supporting the important work of the Mission through fundraising and advocacy efforts.
At the time of FOSL’s formation, the San Lucas Mission was also officially formed to create a new legal entity (previously it had operated as Accion Cristiana).
Shortly after Fr. Greg’s death, Accion Cristiana faced a labor lawsuit alleging that employees had not been paid in accordance with the Guatemalan labor laws. FOSL and the new San Lucas Mission partnered to settle the lawsuits against Accion Cristiana and to re-launch the San Lucas Mission programs under new local leadership.
In 2012, FOSL founders had no knowledge about Fr. Roney’s sexual abuse in Minnesota or Guatemala.
Have the Mission leaders been informed about the abuse that occurred in San Lucas?
The Mission leadership team has been informed about the report of sexual abuse by Fr. Roney. Mission leaders were shocked and saddened by this information.
What are the Mission and FOSL doing to prevent any future abuse in San Lucas?
Today, the Mission operates in accordance with Guatemalan laws and the Mission school is accredited by the Guatemalan Ministry of Education. The school has trained its teachers on the topic of child abuse and mandatory reporting requirements, utilizes Guatemala’s sexual offender registry, and has a part-time psychologist available at the school. The Mission’s hospital also follows the protocols set forth by the Guatemalan law for mandatory reporting. The Mission as a whole is reviewing any training gaps for its employees.
The Mission has not operated the orphanage since 2000.
FOSL is reviewing our policies related to visitors and interactions with minors.
How can I help support FOSL in light of this news?
Friends of San Lucas and the San Lucas Mission continue to focus on providing critical, life-changing services to low-income families to advance well-being and economic stability. We continue to need your support to sustain these important programs now and into the future.