PITTSBURGH (PA)
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
April 18, 2012
By Ann Rodgers / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
The Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh has placed the longtime pastor of St. Lawrence O’Toole parish in Garfield on administrative leave while it investigates an allegation that he sexually abused a minor more than 40 years ago.
The Rev. James Graham, 72, was taken out of ministry Friday, two weeks before he was to retire. He has spent 40 years of his 46-year priesthood at St. Lawrence O’Toole, the last 34 as pastor. The parish is slated to merge with two others into a new parish, St. Maria Goretti, in June.
Auxiliary Bishop William Waltersheid read a letter from Bishop David Zubik at weekend Masses.
“Though the allegation concerns events from many years ago, the length of time makes no difference,” Bishop Zubik wrote. “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 judgement has been reached.”
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