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	Episcopal Priest Resigns in Wake of Sexual Abuse Allegations Newsday May 19, 2006 http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newyork/ny-bc-ny-- priestresigns0519may19,0,6124983.story?coll=ny-region-apnewyork SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) _ A 79-year-old Episcopal priest has resigned after a five-month investigation of allegations he sexually abused a boy in the 1970s while serving as rector of a church in Owego, diocesan officials said. Ralph E. Johnson voluntarily renounced his orders but has not admitted guilt, said Bishop Gladstone Adams. Johnson has no clerical authority, cannot perform the sacraments and cannot wear a clerical collar, Adams said. Johnson, who was retired but could still act as a priest, retains his pension from the 16,000-member Syracuse-based diocese. In an affidavit given to the diocese, a former Owego resident said Johnson molested him at least 20 times in the St. Paul's Church rectory and at a cabin in Gibson, Pa. The man, who was about 15 at the time, now lives in Florida. In January, the Rev. David Bollinger, the current rector of St. Paul's, sued Adams and the diocese for $4.35 million. Bollinger accused the bishop of failing to respond to allegations of abuse by Johnson. Shortly after Bollinger filed the lawsuit, diocesan officials received a copy of the Florida man's affidavit, Adams said. Until then, Adams said, no victim had notified him of any abuse by Johnson. State Supreme Court Justice Jeffrey Tait reserved decision April 14 on a motion to dismiss the suit against Adams and the diocese. Based on the affidavit, the diocese began an investigation and contacted the district attorney's offices in Tioga County and Gibson, Pa., he said. No charges have been brought against Johnson. Adams said the diocese's investigation found no other allegations of inappropriate behavior by Johnson. Johnson was ordained in 1962. He served as rector of St. Paul's Church from 1970 to 1977. He also served at parishes in Binghamton and Windsor in the Central New York diocese and at a parish in Buckingham, Pa. He retired 15 years ago.
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