ROCKVILLE CENTRE (NY)
Diocese of Rockville Centre [Rockville Centre NY]
July 17, 2021
By Sean P. Dolan
It is with sadness that we inform you that an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor has been made against Father Paul Butler, Parochial Vicar at St. Margaret of Scotland Church in Selden, in a recently filed Child Victims Act lawsuit. The alleged abuse is reported to have occurred in the 1980s, when Fr. Butler was a seminarian.
The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People establishes specific guidelines when an allegation is made against a clergy member. An investigation is begun when an accusation is made. In accordance with the processes and procedures outlined in the Diocesan Child Protection Policy, the matter has been reported to the civil authorities. Father Butler has voluntarily stepped away from ministry and will not present himself as a priest while the required processes and procedures are undertaken.
The Office for the Protection of Children and Young People of the Diocese of Rockville Centre is committed to assisting those who have been victims of abuse by Clergy, Religious, Lay Employees and Volunteers. To report an incident of abuse, regardless of when it occurred, please contact local law enforcement and the Office for the Protection of Children and Young People Hotline Number: 516-594-9063. Your call to that Office will be returned by a licensed mental health counselor. All calls to that Office remain confidential except to the extent the Diocese is obligated to report allegations to law enforcement.
We ask for your prayers during these days, which are difficult for all of those involved.