By Diane Smith
eFluxNews
August 4, 2008
http://www.efluxmedia.com/news_Harlem_Monsignor_Suspended_Amid_Sexual_Abuses_Scandal_21457.html
The priest who gave the invocation at David Paterson’s inauguration as New York’s Governor was suspended on Sunday amid accusations that he had sexually abused two minors.
Msgr. Wallace Harris, pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Roman Catholic Church on W.141st St., was forbidden to perform his priestly duties pending recommendations from an advisory review board, according to The New York Daily News which quoted the Archdiocese of New York.
Msgr. Harris has allegedly committed sexual abuse 20 years ago. The monsignor has denied the accusations according to an archdiocese statement released on Sunday. The issue is now the responsibility of the Manhattan district attorney’s office. During the investigation, the archdiocese said it received a second claim concerning Monsignor Harris, who helped organize Pope Benedict's recent visit.
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"Msgr. Harris has denied the allegations, which concern actions that allegedly occurred 20 years ago," said the statement issued by archdiocese spokesman Joseph Zwilling.
No charges have been filed against the priest, but he won’t be allowed to practice as a priest until its Advisory Review Board studies the issue.
The 61-year-old priest was ordained in 1972, has taken the helm of St. Charles Borromeo in 1989 and became very popular in the parish.
"I'm just shocked - I don't believe it," said parishioner Nathan Dixon, 24, according to the New York Daily News.
"We still love him," he added.
On the other hand, some members of the community weren't as cautious and said they were profoundly disappointed. Parishoner Charrlette Williams told reporters:
"I was very hurt and I was very shocked because I do not believe it to be true. I've know Monsignor Harris for many a year. He's been round my kids my kids been round him."
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