CINCINNATI (OH)
The Beacon Journal
Associated Press
CINCINNATI - A man accused of sexually abusing several boys in the Cincinnati area has been removed from the priesthood by the Vatican.
Lawrence Strittmatter's dismissal from the clergy was announced by the Archdiocese of Cincinnati on Wednesday. Strittmatter had requested the removal - referred to as laicization by the Roman Catholic church - and Pope Benedict XVI approved it January. Because Strittmatter made the request, the removal falls short of defrocking, which is imposed.
The archdiocese hopes the move brings "peace, comfort or satisfaction" to the men who have accused Strittmatter, spokesman Dan Andriacco said.
Church officials requested in 2002 that Strittmatter be banned from the priesthood.
He retired that year after being removed from his position as associate pastor of St. Albert the Great Parish in Kettering.