NEW JERSEY
My Central Jersey
Written by
Mike Deak
@MikeDeakMyCJ
MILLSTONE — Msgr. Raymond Cole has been temporarily removed as pastor of St. Joseph Parish because of an allegation that he sexually abused a minor at St. Mary Parish in South Amboy where he was associate pastor in the late 1970s.
Cole, who formerly served as executive director of the diocese’s Department of Pastoral Life, has “steadfastly” denied the charge, Bishop Paul G. Bootkoski wrote in a letter to parishioners on Friday.
The bishop added in the letter that Cole is “innocent until proven guilty” and will receive financial support from the diocese.
The Rev. Sean Broderick, pastor of Mary, Mother of God parish in Hillsborough, has been named temporary administrator of St. Joseph Parish, Erin Friedlander, the diocese’s communications officer, said.
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