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	Suspended Priests Still Being Paid by Church Tyrone Times December 9, 2011 http://www.tyronetimes.co.uk/news/local/suspended_priests_still_being_paid_by_church_1_3322687 PRIESTS in the Armagh Diocese, who have stepped down from clerical duties due to child-safeguarding issues, are still receiving pay and benefits from the Catholic Church, it has emerged. In one case, monthly payments are still being made to a suspended priest more than 18 months after he was removed from his post as a parish priest. Although the priest has been cleared in a police investigation, he has yet to return to his parochial duties and is banned even from attending Mass in the parish. A spokesperson for the Armagh Diocese confirmed that the payments were being made but declined to say how much had been paid to the priests. “Regarding all matters concerning the safeguarding of children in the diocese, the Archdiocese of Armagh is committed to fulfilling all necessary Church policy and statutory obligations”, said the spokesperson. “This commitment reflects both Gospel values and the importance that the diocese places on the presence and contribution of children throughout the Church. “Like everyone else, priests are entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise. On that basis and without prejudice to any criminal and/or civil action that may be pending, this diocese provides a range of supports including financial to those on administrative leave.”
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