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  Diocese Suspends Retired Priest Accused of Sexual Misconduct with a Minor

By Louisiana Gannett
The Shreveport Times
January 20, 2006

http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060120/NEWS03/601200321/1002/NEWS

ALEXANDRIA --- Monsignor Frederick J. Lyons has been suspended from his priestly duties following allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor, Bishop Ronald P. Herzog of the Diocese of Alexandria said Thursday in a prepared statement.

The statement contains no specifics about the allegations, including when, where or what type of sexual misconduct allegedly took place. Lyons is a retired priest, so any alleged incident could have taken place years ago.

Herzog was unavailable for comment Thursday. However, in his statement, he says, "The prohibition came after accusations were made to the Permanent Review Board of the Diocese of Alexandria. This board evaluates all allegations of clerical sexual misconduct involving minors."

The diocese has a policy for the protection of minors that can be read online by going to www.diocesealex.org and clicking on "Safe Environment." The Web site also contains instructions on how to file a complaint.

The results of the investigation will be sent to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in Rome for further review, Herzog said. Priests found guilty of sexual misconduct with a minor may be dismissed from the clergy, he said.

The suspension, Herzog stressed, is no indication of guilt, merely an administrative measure taken while the allegations are reviewed.

Lyons was ordained May 10, 1977, and had served as pastor of Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church. In 1969, he was appointed to the Alexandria City Council-appointed Committee on Human Relations.

 
 

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