Aug 10, 2011 / 08:02 am
Human Life International has named a new president and vice president of the organization after former leader Fr. Thomas Euteneuer resigned in 2010.
The pro-life advocacy group announced on Aug. 8 that Louisiana priest Father Shenan Boquet will serve as president, with Fr. Peter West – a former Priests for Life associate director – serving as vice president for missions.
“After an extensive search in the U.S. and abroad, and much prayerful discernment, the board of directors is very pleased to announce that they have selected the team of Fr. Shenan Boquet and Fr. Peter West,” the organization said.
The news comes after former president Fr. Thomas Euteneuer stepped down abruptly from his position last August over what would later surface as allegations of inappropriate conduct with an adult woman within the context of his exorcism ministry.
The group's Rome office head Monsignor Ignacio Barreiro-Carámbula temporarily led the organization after Fr. Euteneuer's resignation last year until Fr. Boquet was named president this week.
“Fr. Boquet brings a great breadth of leadership and pastoral experience and passion for the defense of life and family to the position as president,” board members said.
The group also praised Fr. West for his “long and distinguished record of advocacy for life and family both in parish life.”
“Both Fr. Boquet and Fr. West come to Human Life International with the full support of their respective bishops, and we are grateful to both bishops for allowing them to serve,” the organization wrote.
“We are confident that under the leadership of Fr. Boquet and the strategic guidance of Fr. West, Human Life International will continue to be the leading international pro-life organization.”
Both Fr. Boquet and Fr. West are slated to assume office on Sept. 1 of this year.