By Barry N. Dima
NBC Philadelphia
February 20, 2011
http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local-beat/Top-Phila-Priest-Suspended-for-Alleged-Child-Endangerment-116569538.html
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A former top Roman Catholic church official in Philadelphia has been placed on administrative leave following charges of endangering children in connection with sexual abuse by priests.
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia said Sunday that parishioners at Saint Joseph parish in Downingtown were informed in weekend Masses that Monsignor William Lynn, 60, was placed on administrative leave Friday.
Lynn was secretary of the clergy and a top archdiocese official from 1992 to 2004. He was accused in a scathing grand jury report of putting pedophiles in posts where they had contact with youngsters. Felony endangering charges were filed earlier this month, and Lynn was also named in a civil lawsuit last week.
Philadelphia's cardinal, Justin Rigali, has released numerous statements and a video expressing his sympathy for the alleged victims and has promised his full cooperation. He has also brought on a former Philadelphia assistant district attorney to help with an internal investigation.
Lynn's attorney has said that his client doesn't concede that he knew he was putting children at risk.
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