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  Supporters Rally for Accused Nc Priest

WXII
July 15, 2010

[with video]

http://www.wxii12.com/news/24264916/detail.html

KERNERSVILLE, N.C. -- More than 100 supporters in two North Carolina cities rallied on Wednesday in support of a priest accused of sexual misconduct with a boy.

The supports of Father Joseph Kelleher said they don't believe the charges against the Bishop McGuinness High School chaplain.

The 82-year-old is accused of sexual misconduct with a then-14-year-old boy more than 30 years ago while serving at a church in Albemarle.

"At least from our experience, Father has always been here and supported us, many of us through difficult times, and I think and we're here to give our prayers to help support him," Nate Osborne said.

Support for Kelleher went from the Triad to Charlotte on Wednesday, where a few dozen supporters just wrapped up their event at about 11 p.m.

Charlotte is the seat of the Catholic Diocese for the Triad, including Bishop McGuinness.

The two vigils held Wednesday night originated on Facebook, where a group called "Justice for Father Joseph Kelleher" was founded by a woman who attended the Albemarle church just one year after the alleged sexual abuse happened.

The Facebook group already has more than 900 members.

Just hours after turning himself in last Thursday, Kelleher posted $5,000 bond and was released.

The investigation into the charges continues. Kelleher will remain on administrative leave from Bishop McGuinness until the case is closed.

 
 

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