Trenton Church Removes Priest

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Trenton has removed a priest after reviewing 50 years of personnel files for outstanding allegations of sex abuse. The unidentified priest was among 13 priests found to be involved in sexual misconduct involving minors, Bishop John M. Smith said. He declined to identify any of the priests, citing confidentiality concerns, but said some of the cases go back 10 or 20 years.

The priest who was removed had previously worked for the diocese and lived in a local parish, Smith said. He worked in a restricted ministry where he was monitored by church officials, and was not allowed to work with children or celebrate Mass.

Smith said it was determined that the priest should not be allowed to remain in his position because of the possible risks.

"(Removing him) was a very painful thing to do, but we need to think of the pain the victim has been put through," Smith told The Times of Trenton for Tuesday's editions.

At least two of the other priests cited are dead and six no longer work in the diocese, but Smith said he did not know if any of the six were still working elsewhere. He said they were prohibited from serving as priests in the diocese once the claims of sexual abuse were made and verified.

The other four priests were from foreign countries and were working in the diocese on a short-term basis when they were accused, Smith said. They were sent home when the allegations were confirmed, and Smith said church officials in their native countries were notified about the misconduct.

"The records show that in the few cases in which complaints were made, the diocese to proactive steps to investigate charges of sexual misconduct and, where necessary, removed priests from active ministry," Smith said.

Smith said the diocese offered counseling and other assistance to all those who may have been victimized by the priests. He said the cases involve both male and females victims who were in their teens when the incidents occurred.

The diocese, which covers Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean counties, has 235 active priests. Church officials said they reviewed the records of more than 500 priest during their investigation.

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Author: 6 ABC-AP