Catholic Diocese of Orlando removes priest facing child sex abuse accusation

By Jeff Weiner
Orlando Sentinel
August 29, 2018

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/breaking-news/os-orlando-diocese-child-sex-abuse-accusation-20180829-story.html

The Catholic Diocese of Orlando announces the removal of Rev. David C. Gillis from priestly duties after an allegation of child sex abuse.

The Catholic Diocese of Orlando announced Wednesday that it had removed from the ministry a priest facing an accusation of sexual abuse of a minor in Pennsylvania.

The Rev. David C. Gillis had been serving as parochial administrator for the Church of Our Saviour in Cocoa Beach before his his removal.

In a letter, the Rev. John Giel, chancellor of canonical affairs for the Diocese, said Gillis was facing an accusation of abuse involving a minor “that has at least the semblance of truth.”

“The safety and well-being of our vulnerable populations are very important to us,” Giel wrote. “… We pray for all victims and their families and for those involved in this situation.”

The removal of Gillis stemmed from an accusation currently being investigated by authorities in Berks County, Pa.

Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams confirmed his office was in the early stages of investigating the case. Gillis has not yet been arrested or charged, Adams said Wednesday.

“The allegation was reported to us earlier this week and we are investigating the report that was given to us,” he said. “At this point I don’t have any details on this matter.”

Gillis has been with the Orlando Diocese since 2005, the letter said.

Since then, he has served in a variety of roles at Resurrection Parish and Santa Fe Catholic High School in Lakeland; St. Ann Parish in DeBary; Father Lopez Cathloic High School in Daytona Beach and St. Faustina Parish in Clermont, the Diocese said.

The removal of Gillis from the ministry is “pending the outcome of the investigation by civil authorities,” the letter said.