Joseph Keith Symons

Joseph Keith Symons (born October 14, 1932) is an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church.

In 1998, Symons sent a letter of resignation as bishop of the Diocese of Palm Beach to Pope John Paul II after admitting he sexually abused five boys earlier in his career.

[1] Symons served as a member of the Committee for Latin America, part of the National Council of Catholic Bishops.

"[3] In 1996, a married couple charged that years earlier Symons, when serving as auxiliary bishop of St. Petersburg, had ignored their report that a diocese priest had abused their children.

[2] In April 1998, a 53 year old man informed a priest and Archbishop John C. Favalora that Symons had sexually abused him when he was an altar server decades earlier.

[6][7] [5]Symons issued a written statement that said:[6] As painful as it is for me and will be for others, I feel it important to make public the reason for my resignation.

Realizing the gravity of my past actions, I have in succeeding years tried to live my promises of celibacy and chastity and have immersed myself in my ministry as priest and as bishop....

I apologize to all whom I have hurt in any way and if, by this action, they might seek spiritual, emotional, and psychological comfort and assistance, then this painful moment for the Church and me may prove to be beneficial.After his resignation, Symons was to be sent away for treatment and counseling.