STOCKTON (CA)
Tracy Press
by Maggie Creamer and Lauren Nelson / San Joaquin News Service
Apr 09, 2012
Three hours after hearing the verdict in his civil trial, a teary-eyed, choked up Michael Kelly faced an emotional congregation.
Earlier that afternoon, the onetime priest at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church was held liable on three counts of assault, sexual assault and abuse. He has been removed as a priest, stripping him of the ability to lead his congregation just before Easter.
“Practically speaking for now, and several years to come, I cannot be your pastor anymore,” he said as his voice cracked Friday, April 6. “It breaks my heart, but I can’t. That is the way it is written. As much as I love all of you, I have to obey what the rules are.”
Yet he maintained that he is innocent, and reaffirmed his plans to keep fighting.
Note: This is an Abuse Tracker excerpt. Click the title to view the full text of the original article. If the original article is no longer available, see our News Archive.