Scots priest suspended amid investigation into historic sex abuse

STV
March 18, 2015

http://news.stv.tv/scotland/314297-father-richard-rodgers-suspended-over-historic-sex-abuse-claims/

St Mary's: Priest in Lanarkshire suspended over investigation into abuse.

A priest has been suspended from a North Lanarkshire catholic church amid a police investigation into historic sex abuse allegations.

Father Richard Rodgers was suspended from his parish after a complaint was made to the diocese and then passed on to police.

The 79-year-old, who served at St Mary's Parish Church in Cleland was axed from active ministry for an "unspecified period of time" after the allegations came to light.

He will not be living in the parish house while the investigation takes place.

Bishop of Motherwell Joseph Toal is understood to have stepped in to cover mass at St Mary's while cover from elsewhere in the diocese will be put in place for parishioners in his absence.

Fr Rodgers is also thought to have worked as chaplain at Cleland Hospital.

A spokesman for the Diocese of Motherwell said: "Following a complaint received by the Diocese and passed to Police Scotland, Fr Richard Rodgers will not be in active parish ministry for an unspecified period of time.

"Fr Rodgers has agreed to this and will not be living in the parish house or undertaking any public ministry.

"Fr Hugh Kelly, of St Brigid's, Newmains, who will be assisted by the Holy Ghost Fathers from Carfin, will act as administrators of St Mary's.

"While the Diocese of Motherwell await the outcome of the police investigation no further statements will be made."

A spokesman from North Lanarkshire Council said: "We are aware of these allegations. As the matter is currently being investigated by the police it would be inappropriate to make any comment."

A Police Scotland spokesman said: "We can confirm we have received a report in connection with alleged historical sexual abuse and the matter is currently being investigated."