Fr. James M. Burns: Credibly Accused of Sexual Abuse of Minors 

Fr. James M. Burns

Fr. James M. Burns

Ordained, 1962
Assignments:
  • 1962-1963 Our Lady of Guadalupe, Flagstaff, AZ (GLP)
  • 1963-1964 Nativity of B.V.M., Flagstaff, AZ (GLP)
  • 1965-1966 St. Francis Cabrini, Camp Verde, AZ (PHX)
  • 1966-1968 St. Lawrence, Humboldt, AZ (GLP)
  • 1968-1971 Sacred Heart, Quemado, AZ (GLP)
  • 1968-1974 St. Peter’s, Springerville, AZ (GLP)
  • 1971-1974 St. Helena, Alpine, AZ (GLP)
  • 1974-1980 Our Lady of the Angels / St. Mary of the Angels, Pinetop, AZ (GLP)
  • 1980-1982 Immaculate Heart of Mary, Page, AZ (GLP)
  • 1982-1990 St. Joseph’s, Winslow, AZ (GLP)
  • 1990 St. Mary’s, Bloomfield, NM (GLP)
  • 1990-1993 St. Rose’s, Blanco, NM (GLP); Our Lady of Guadalupe, Los Martinez, NM (GLP)
  • 1994-2002 Retired: P.O. Box 2155, Wickenburg, AZ (PHX)
  • 2003-2009 Unknown
  • 2010 Died

Fr. James M. Burns was ordained in the Diocese of Gallup. In 1993, he was removed from ministry amid allegations that he sexually abused several minor boys. In 2003, Fr. Burns was included on the Diocese of Gallup’s “List of priests, religious and other persons who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of minors and who have served in parishes or institutions of the church located within the territorial limits of the Diocese of Gallup.” In 2004, Fr. Burns pleaded guilty to sexual misconduct with a minor and was sentenced to a year and a half in prison. He was reportedly released after less than a year for good behavior. Fr. Burns’ status as a priest, whereabouts, and whether he had access to children from 2003 until his death are unknown.