Statement Regarding Father Daniel J. Doherty, S.s.

Roman Catholic Diocese of Scranton
May 24, 2013

http://www.dioceseofscranton.org/2013/05/23/statement-regarding-father-daniel-j-doherty-s-s/

On Thursday, May 23, 2013 Diocesan officials learned through local media that on Friday, May 17, 2013, Father Daniel J. Doherty, who 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 involved in an incident at the Wyalusing Borough Park, Bradford County, Pennsylvania. 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 Diocese of Scranton will cooperate fully as this matter is properly handled by law enforcement.

In response to this situation, the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, has removed Father’s 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, be assured of my prayers and support to provide what is needed to bring healing to all affected.”