NEW YORK
Press & Sun-Bulletin
BY NANCY DOOLING
Press & Sun-Bulletin
A Roman Catholic priest, who was removed Wednesday from his Town of Maine church as a result of sexual-abuse claims at a former parish, will ask the Vatican to reinstate him, his attorney said Wednesday.
Thomas F. Keating, 65, will appeal his removal by Syracuse Diocese Bishop James M. Moynihan and expects to be exonerated, said Barry Abbott, a White Plains lawyer who represents the priest.
"Father Keating is deeply saddened by the bishop's actions and is disappointed in the bishop's refusal to hear from witnesses on his behalf, address facts uncovered by his investigation and consider the motives of his accusers," Abbott said in a statement.
Three of Keating's accusers, meanwhile, also issued a statement Wednesday, calling Moynihan's announcement "a small measure of comfort."
Posted by kshaw at December 16, 2004 08:00 AM