Cape Breton Priest to Return to Work after Complaint

CBC News
June 12, 2012

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/story/2012/06/12/ns-abbass-returns.html

Father Paul Abbass was asked to step down after the complaint was filed

The former spokesperson for the Diocese of Antigonish will return to work this fall.

Rev. Paul Abbass was asked to take leave in February after the Department of Community Servcies received a complaint in relation to his work with Talbot House – a former men's addiction and rehabilitation facility outside Sydney.

In April, Cape Breton Regional Police said they would not press charges against the priest. They did not reveal the details of the complaint, other than to say it was in his capacity as the centre's executive director.

Abbass will return to work Oct. 5 as pastor of several parishes – St. Mary, Frenchvale, St. Andrew, Boisdale, St. Columba, Iona, St. Barra, Christmas Island, St. Michael Parish, and Baddeck.

Abbass spoke for the diocese during the resignation of Raymond Lahey, the former Bishop of Antigonish, who pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography.