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  Msgr. Lyons Suspended on Morals Allegations

Daily Town Talk
January 20, 2006

Town Talk staff

Monsignor Frederick J. Lyons has been suspended from priestly duties following allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor, Bishop Ronald P. Herzog said Thursday in a prepared statement.

The release did not contain specifics on the actual allegations including when or where the sexual misconduct took place.

Lyons is a retired priest, so any alleged incident could have taken place years ago.

Herzog was unavailable for comment Thursday. In his statement, he said, "The prohibition came after accusations were made to the Permanent Review Board of the Diocese of Alexandria. This board evaluates all allegations of clerical sexual misconduct involving minors."

The diocese has a policy for the protection of minors and can be found on the diocesan Web site on the Safe Environmental page.

The Web site also contains instructions on how to file a complaint.

The results of the investigation will be sent to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in Rome for further review, Herzog said. Priests found guilty of sexual misconduct with a minor may be dismissed from the clergy, he said. However, he stressed that the suspension is not an indication of guilt, but an administrative measure taken while the allegations are reviewed.

Lyons was ordained May 10, 1977, and had served as pastor of Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church. In 1969, he was appointed to serve on the City Council-appointed Committee on Human Relations.

 
 

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