Priest of the Diocese of Fall River placed on administrative leave pending an investigation into alleged misconduct

A priest of the Diocese of Fall River who has been ministering outside the Diocese as a member of the Youth Apostles since 2002, has been placed on administrative leave by Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., pending an investigation into alleged misconduct that is inconsistent with standards of ministerial behavior.

The alleged misconduct involving Rev. David Sharland, Y.A., does not involve a minor, nor does it involve his ministry in the Diocese of Fall River.

As a priest on leave, he is not permitted to exercise public ministry nor present himself as a priest in public settings.

Father Sharland was ordained as a priest of the Fall River Diocese in 1999 for service in the Youth Apostles Institute. He served as a parochial vicar in two parishes, in New Bedford and Seekonk, before being assigned to ministry outside the Diocese in 2002 by leadership of the Virginia-based Youth Apostles.

Oversight of the investigation of the allegation of misconduct made against him is under the authority of the bishop of Fall River as Father Sharland remains a priest of the Diocese of Fall River though ministering outside the area.

The Diocese of Fall River encourages anyone with concerns regarding the conduct of any priest, staff or volunteer affiliated with the Diocese to contact local law enforcement and Carolyn Shipp, the diocesan Director of Safe Environment and Victim Assistance, at 508-985-6508 or by email at cshipp@dioc-fr.org.