ALBERT M. HURLEY, M. D.
P!IYDHl1'T.RY
UU4 BOYLSTON AVENUf;

SEATTLE 1 0 WASHINGTON
DFFIOE PHIJNEI EAST 2·2277

j.

March 19, 1962

I'

;

Archbishop Thomas Connelly
907 T.erry
Seattl~ 4 1 Wash,
Dear Archbishop Connelly:

Re: Father Cody
Peruant to our telephone conversation this morning, this
letter is written to inform you of my findings in the oase
of Fathe;r- Cody.
I saw him first on February 23 upon your
referral and··at that time he told :me that he was suffering
fro:m an abnormal sexual attraction toward young girls.
Since
his ordination about three years ago 1 and more particularly
since his father's death approximately one yea-r ago, he has
molested at least eight girls twelve years of age or younger.
As you know 1 there have been complaints about his hostility
and temper in the various parishes where he has served.
He also complains of feelings of severe depression, during
which. time he prays that God will allow him to die rather
than continue this behavior.
A rather simple formulation of this problem seems to be that
he lias sexual impulses which he fights against consciously and
is unable to control volunarily.
The aots themeelves are
followed by guilt, depression and also externalized hostility.
It is my opinion that Father Cody is dangerous both to himself
and to others,
He has exhibited sadistic tendencies towards
boys with whom he has associated, has talked arout killing
adults 1 and has entertained ideas of suio.ide.

It is my diagnosis that he is suffering from a for:m of sexual
deviation (Pedophilia) associated with a long-standing characterological problem and a serious emotional readion to it.
It
is my recommendation. that he be removed from parish work
as soon as possible,
It is likely that if external controls on
his acting out are made, and this cycle of aggression and
depression sufficiently interrupted, then he can once again
assume a useful and productive life.
Respectfully yours,

AMH:mc

~

A. M. Hurley', M.D. "Sensltivelnformation"

Per Protective Order

JH-ARCH000624