Homewood, Alabama, August 14, 2025
News Summary
Father Robert Sullivan of Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Homewood, Alabama, is on administrative leave following allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor. Heather Jones, now 33, claims the inappropriate relationship started when she was 17. Sullivan has been a priest for over 32 years and previously led a local high school. The Diocese of Birmingham has confirmed the investigation and will also send allegations to the Vatican’s Dicastery of the Doctrine of the Faith for review.
Homewood, Alabama – Father Robert Sullivan, a 61-year-old priest, is on administrative leave while an investigation is underway concerning allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor. The allegations were made by Heather Jones, who is now 33 and claims that her relationship with Sullivan began when she was just 17 years old in 2009. Sullivan announced his leave from his position as pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Homewood during a service on August 2, effective immediately from August 4.
Bishop Steven Raica of the Diocese of Birmingham verified the investigation in a letter to the church community, noting the allegations were reported to the diocese in late July. Following the report, the diocese’s Victim Assistance Coordinator brought the allegations to the attention of the Alabama Department of Human Resources; however, the department did not initiate an investigation.
Jones alleges that Sullivan provided her with financial support in return for what he termed “private companionship,” asserting that this companionship included sexual activities. To substantiate her claims, she has shared a range of documents, including bank records, emails, and a legal non-disclosure agreement, which she alleges was signed in agreement to payments totaling $273,000 made by Sullivan.
According to Jones, Sullivan’s financial transactions included approximately $120,000 in Venmo payments made between July 2024 and March 2025, along with two substantial wire transfers following discussions about the NDA. She also mentioned that Sullivan initially introduced himself as a “doctor” before disclosing he was a priest, an action that she claims has caused her emotional distress due to the conflict with her understanding of church ethics.
The Diocese of Birmingham has stated that the allegations will also be forwarded to the Vatican’s Dicastery of the Doctrine of the Faith for further examination. Under church law, any person under 18 years of age is considered a minor, and the nature of Sullivan’s alleged relationship is classified as abusive under canon law. Although Alabama law does not impose restrictions on sexual relationships between clergy and adults under their spiritual care, it does regard any sexual contact with minors as a serious offense.
Father Sullivan has held the position of priest for over 32 years and has previously served as the president of John Carroll Catholic High School. Bishop Raica has communicated the importance of presuming Sullivan’s innocence until proven otherwise and has urged the congregation to pray for everyone involved during the ongoing investigation. With Sullivan now on leave, Vicar General Kevin Bazzel has been appointed as the temporary administrator of the parish.
In a bid to enhance the credibility of her allegations and raise awareness about potential future victims, Jones has made the decision to publicly identify herself. She has recently enrolled in law school as she contemplates her next steps. Despite efforts by the media to reach Sullivan for comments, there has been no response forthcoming from the priest or his representatives.
FAQ
What allegations have been made against Father Robert Sullivan?
Father Robert Sullivan is being investigated for allegedly having a sexual relationship with a minor, initiated when the accuser was 17 years old. The allegations include claims of financial transactions and sexual activities.
What is the current status of the investigation?
Sullivan has been placed on leave from his pastoral duties while the investigation is conducted by the Diocese of Birmingham and will also be reviewed by the Vatican’s Dicastery of the Doctrine of the Faith.
How has the Diocese of Birmingham responded to the allegations?
The Diocese confirmed they have received the allegations and is conducting an investigation. Bishop Steven Raica has emphasized the importance of presuming innocence until proven guilty and has called for prayers for those involved.
What kind of evidence has the accuser presented?
Heather Jones has presented bank records, emails, and a legal non-disclosure agreement that she claims was signed concerning financial arrangements made by Sullivan.
Key Features of the Investigation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Accuser | Heather Jones, now 33, claims to have had a relationship with Sullivan starting at 17 |
| Accusation | Allegations of sexual relationship and financial misconduct |
| Investigation | Conducted by the Diocese of Birmingham and under review by the Vatican |
| Sullivan’s Response | Placed on leave from duties at Our Lady of Sorrows Church |
| Evidence Presented | Bank records, emails, and a non-disclosure agreement |
| Support for Accuser | Jones hopes public identification will help future victims |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Investigation into Sexual Misconduct Allegations Against Priest
Investigation Launched Against Birmingham Priest Over Allegations
Investigation Launched Against Father Robert Sullivan
Additional Resources
- The Guardian: Alabama Priest Robert Sullivan
- AL.com: Alabama Priest on Leave
- WVTM: Homewood Catholic Priest Allegations
- Yellowhammer News: Alabama Priest Accused
- WBRC: Homewood Priest Leave Under Investigation
- Wikipedia: Child Sexual Abuse in the Catholic Church
- Google Search: Father Robert Sullivan Allegations
- Google Scholar: Sexual Misconduct Clergy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual Abuse
- Google News: Robert Sullivan Priest
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