OHIO
Roman Catholic Diocese of Cleveland
March 5, 2015
The Reverend Joseph Lieberth, formerly the pastor of Holy Family parish in Stow, Ohio, was placed on administrative leave by the Diocese of Cleveland in April of 2002 based on an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor dating back to the 1980’s.
After appropriate due process according to canon (Church) law, the Most Reverend Richard Lennon, Bishop of Cleveland, has imposed on Father Lieberth “A life of prayer and penance.” Father Lieberth is no longer permitted to celebrate Mass publicly or administer the sacraments. He is not to wear clerical attire or publicly present himself as a priest. In a spirit of repentance, he has agreed to pray daily for the victims of sexual abuse as is mandated by the Essential Norms of the U.S. Charter for the Protection of Children.
Under canon law, “A life of prayer and penance” is imposed, for example, when a priest is of advanced age or is seriously ill. The process also includes regular periodic monitoring by Diocesan staff.
The Diocese of Cleveland continues its commitment to protecting children and helping to heal victims of abuse. We are deeply sorry for the pain suffered by survivors of abuse due to the actions of some members of the clergy.
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