Philly-area Priest Ousted, No Child Sex Alleged

Daily Local News
March 13, 2012

http://www.dailylocal.com/article/20120313/NEWS03/120319834/philly-area-priest-ousted-no-child-sex-alleged

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has removed a suburban priest from ministry, but officials say the case doesn’t involve misconduct with children.

Church officials say the Rev. Louis Bier is no longer pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Springfield, Delaware County.

They say Bier may not serve as a priest or wear clerical clothing while on leave. A church statement says Bier’s suitability for ministry is under review.

He’s been a priest in the Roman Catholic archdiocese since 1976.

Bier’s removal comes as Catholics await the fate of more than two dozen Philadelphia priests suspended last year over alleged improper contact with children.

Meanwhile, three priests go on trial March 26 in Philadelphia, on charges they raped children or endangered them through priest transfers.