BishopAccountability.org
 
  Canal Fulton Priest Resigns, Accused of Sexual Misconduct

IndeOnline
October 10, 2011

http://www.indeonline.com/communities/canalfulton_lawrence_twp/x1611322081/Canal-Fulton-priest-resigns-accused-of-sexual-misconduct

The Rev. John Warner has resigned as parish priest at Sts. Philip and James in Canal Fulton following an allegation of sexual misconduct that took place more than 30 years ago.

Bishop George V. Murry of the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown, has placed the pastor of Sts. Philip and James Church in Canal Fulton on administrative leave as a result of a recently reported allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor more than 30 years ago at a parish in Youngstown.

At Murry’s request, the Rev. John Warner has resigned as pastor of Sts. Philip & James parish. As a priest on administrative leave, he may not publicly celebrate the sacraments, wear clerical attire, or present himself as a priest in good standing. Warner has been a priest of the diocese since 1970.

The diocese has reported the allegation involving Warner to the appropriate civil authorities.

In accordance with the Diocese of Youngstown Child Protection Policy, the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and the Essential Norms from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the allegation was reported to the independent, predominantly lay Diocesan Review Board. Although Warner denied the allegation, after a thorough investigation, the Review Board concluded that the allegation was credible and recommended that Warner be placed on administrative leave.

His assignments have included assistant pastor at St. Peter parish in Canton (1970-1973); St. Mary Parish in Warren (1973-1976); St. Edward Parish in Youngstown (1976-1982); St. Joan of Arc Parish in Perry Township (1982-1984); Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Aurora (1995-1996), and St. Paul Parish in North Canton (1996-1999).

He also was pastor at St. Vincent dePaul Parish in Vienna, St. Bernadette Parish in Masury, St. Aloysius Parish in East Liverpool, Sts. Peter & Paul Parish in Youngstown , and Sts. Philip & James Parish in Canal Fulton from 2003 until administrative leave. He also served as a part-time chaplain at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Youngstown in 1999.

The Diocese of Youngstown encourages anyone who has experienced sexual abuse by clergy or others associated with the Church to notify civil authorities and to contact the diocesan victim’s assistance coordinator, Nancy Yuhasz, at 330-744-8451. The diocesan Child Protection Policy may be found at the Diocese of Youngstown website, www.cathdoy.org

Bishop Murry said, “The Diocese of Youngstown continues to be committed to protecting children and helping to heal victims of abuse. I am deeply sorry for the pain suffered by survivors of abuse due to actions of some members of the clergy, because nothing is more important than protecting our children.”

 
 

Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.