North Lanarkshire Priest Suspended from Parish Ministry

Scottish Catholic Observer
March 19, 2015

http://www.sconews.co.uk/news/44189/north-lanarkshire-priest-suspended-from-parish-ministry/

Fr Richard Rodgers, parish priest of St Mary’s, Cleland, North Lanarkshire, has been suspended following an allegation of historic sexual abuse made to his diocese.

“Following a complaint received by the Diocese of Motherwell and passed to Police Scotland, he will not be in active parish ministry for an unspecified period of time,” a Motherwell Diocesan spokesman said.

“Fr Rodgers has agreed to this and will not be living in the parish house or undertaking any public ministry. While the Diocese of Motherwell await the outcome of the police investigation, no further statements will be made.”

Bishop Joseph Toal and Fr Raymond Breslin celebrated Masses at St Mary’s (above) last weekend. Fr Hugh Kelly, of St Brigid’s, Newmains—assisted by the Holy Ghost Fathers from Carfin—will now act as administrators of St Mary’s.