Dominican Priest Defrocked for Child Abuse

Press TV
November 21, 2014

http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2014/11/22/387019/dominica-priest-defrocked-for-sex-abuse/

Dominican priest Msgr. Reginald LaFleur

A veteran Dominican parish priest, who was accused of sexually abusing a young girl some 20 years ago, has been defrocked by the Catholic Church.

The east Caribbean island’s bishop, Gabriel Malzaire, issued a decree removing Msgr. Reginald LaFleur’s priesthood late on Thursday.

Malzaire described the defrocking as a painful decision for him and the diocese, adding, “I am sure that one will appreciate that this is one of the most difficult things that I have ever had to do in my life as a bishop and priest.”

LaFleur had been placed on administrative leave in 2013 following reports of inappropriately touching a 12-year-old girl in 1994.

LaFleur, who has declined to take part in the church investigation into the case, has 60 days to issue an appeal.

The Roman Catholic Church has been hit by numerous scandals mainly in the US and Europe in the past few years, including allegations of covering up the sexual abuse of children by priests to protect pedophiles and its own reputation.