ROCHESTER (NY)
WHEC
The Catholic Diocese of Rochester released a statement Sunday about a local priest facing sexual abuse charges. Rochester police arrested Reverend Dennis Sewar last Friday at his home in Henrietta. Reverend Sewar is facing third degree sexual abuse charges. Police said the alleged incidents happened at the Church of the Annunciation sometime between August 1999 and August 2001.
Bishop Matthew Clark said, "I am deeply disturbed by these allegations." He also said he hopes these allegations don't diminish the progress the church has made over the past three years with it's Safe Environment Program.
News 10NBC went to the churches where Reverend Sewar served to talk with parishioners. Dan Statt is a parishioner and was shocked when he heard of the allegations. That was also the reaction of several of the parishioners at St. John the Evangelist Church, in Spencerport. Dennis Statt also said "It doesn't surprise me. There are bad apples no matter where you go. I still support my faith and you just gotta get past all this."