BishopAccountability.org
	Church Investigates Second Priest ABC News June 1, 2008 http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/06/02/2262101.htm The Catholic diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is refusing to disclose why the parish priest at Nelson Bay has been stood down while it investigates his conduct. Father David O'Hearn is the second priest in the diocese to face a professional conduct investigation in the past year. He was stood down last week from St Michael's Parish at Nelson Bay pending an investigation by the diocesan child protection and professional conduct unit. A statement by the vicar-general of the diocese, Tom Brennan, was read to parishioners at services yesterday. The statement obtained by the ABC says Father O'Hern will not be involved in his usual parish ministry and will live privately while the investigation is carried out. It says the matter has been discussed with Bishop Michael Malone, who is currently on pilgrimage in Greece. Monsignor Bill Fuller has been appointed to look after the parish in the meantime. Last September, Father Peter Brock - who administered eight lower Hunter Catholic parishes - was also stood down while a professional conduct investigation was carried out. The church says it is still investigating him.
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.