Diocese Suspends Priest Following Wyalusing Incident

By David Keeler
The Rocket-Courier
May 24, 2013

http://www.rocket-courier.com/news/2013-05-23/Front_Page/Diocese_Suspends_Priest__Following_Wyalusing_Incid.html

Officials at the Diocese of Scranton have announced they’ve suspended Father Daniel J. Doherty, in the wake of an alleged May 17 incident at the Wyalusing Borough Park, which was reported in the May 23 issue of the Rocket-Courier.

In a statement issued by the Diocese on May 23, Diocesan officials stated they learned through local media that on Friday, May 17, 2013, Father Daniel J. Doherty, whom they confirmed is a priest of the Diocese of Scranton and a member of the Society of the Priests of Saint Sulpice, who has been serving as Assistant Pastor at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Tunkhannock, and Saint Mary of the Lake, Lake Winola, was allegedly involved in an incident at the Wyalusing Borough Park.

“The accusation is that Father Doherty and an adult female were engaged in behavior that resulted in them being charged with open lewdness and for violating local ordinances that prohibit, among other things, consuming alcohol on the borough park property,” the Diocesan officials stated. “The Diocese of Scranton will cooperate fully as this matter is properly handled by law enforcement.”

In response to this situation, the Diocese stated that the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, has removed Father Doherty’s faculties and has prohibited him from exercising public ministry pending a legal disposition. In reaction to this matter, Bishop Bambera expressed anger with the apparent inappropriate, immoral and seemingly illegal behavior.

Bishop Bambera also expressed concern for the pastor and people of the parish communities in Tunkhannock and Lake Winola where Father Doherty has been serving.

“As we all struggle with the sobering reality of this most regrettable and unacceptable situation, Bishop Bambera said, “be assured of my prayers and support to provide what is needed to bring healing to all affected.”