NEW JERSEY
NJ.com
Pastor of Short Hills church steps down following allegation of sexual abuse; authorities notified
By Mark Mueller | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
on October 06, 2014
The popular pastor of a Millburn church has stepped down from ministry while authorities and officials with the Archdiocese of Newark investigate an allegation of sexual abuse related to his tenure at another parish.
The Rev. Msgr. George Trabold, pastor of St. Rose of Lima Church in Millburn’s Short Hills section, was removed from ministry sometime last week. An announcement was read aloud during weekend Masses at the church, said Jim Goodness, a spokesman for the archdiocese.
“He voluntarily stepped down while the investigation goes on,” Goodness said.
The allegation stems from Trabold’s time at St. John the Evangelist Church in Bergenfield, according to a copy of the announcement. Trabold served two stints at the Bergen County church, first as an associate pastor from 1973 to 1977 and then as pastor from 1994 to 1998. A similar announcement was read at St. John the Evangelist over the weekend.
“We know that most of you in the parish have great affection and respect for Msgr. Trabold and it is with great sadness that the archdiocese must take these steps,” the statements at both parishes said. “However, it is important to investigate this information fully, and to cooperate with authorities in such matters. … We ask for your understanding and prayers for all involved in this matter during this time.”
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