Morgan, William (Br.)

Brother Morgan, a member of the Divine Word Missionaries, served in New Guinea from 1950 to 1991. In 1986, a couple reported that Morgan had abused their four-year-old granddaughter while staying with them in Maryland. The incident involved inappropriate touching and nudity. Handwritten notes from an interview with the grandparents confirmed Morgan’s admission of fondling and inappropriate behavior with children. Officials from the Society of the Divine Word and the Archdiocese expressed concerns about the victims, legal reporting requirements, and Morgan’s need for therapy. Morgan was sent for a psycho-theological assessment, which concluded that he did not require residential counseling but recommended regular spiritual direction. The decision was made to send Morgan back to the mission, considering his actions imprudent rather than criminal. No record of reporting the abuse to law enforcement in the United States or New Guinea exists.