PITTSBURGH (PA)
WTAE
Office of the Bishop
April 14-15, 2012
Dear Parishioners of Saint Lawrence O’Toole Parish:
This past week, officials at the Diocese received a very serious allegation concerning your pastor, Father James Graham. As a result of that allegation, I have immediately placed Father Graham on administrative leave.
The allegation against Father Graham involved a minor a number of years ago. Though the allegation concerns events from many years ago, the length of time makes no difference. The allegation has been judged to have what we describe as a “semblance of truth” – that the timing and circumstances surrounding the allegation fit the facts that are known. It does not mean, however, that a definite judgment has been reached.
Under the policies of the Diocese of Pittsburgh a priest must be placed on administrative leave when an allegation has been determined to have a semblance of truth. This means Father Graham cannot celebrate the sacraments publicly or continue to actively serve as your pastor.
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