ALBANY (NY)
WTEN
(posted: August 16th, 8:00pm) The Albany Catholic Diocese is defending itself for providing pensions and health benefits to priests removed from ministry because there was evidence they abused children.
Thirteen priests who have been removed from the ministry are being supported by pensions funded by donations from Catholics. The diocese has said retired priests collect $1500 a month in pension benefits. Over the course of a year that means $234,000 out of the diocese's pockets, not including health benefits. A statement released Tuesday does not reveal the total value of pension and benefits for the defrocked priests.