Lee Bartlett, Former Priest in Leominster Accused of Abusing Teen in ’70s, Loses Status

By Cyrus Moulton
Telegram & Gazette
September 2, 2020

https://www.leominsterchamp.com/news/20200902/lee-bartlett-former-priest-in-leominster-accused-of-abusing-teen-in-70s-loses-status

A Roman Catholic priest accused of sexually abusing a man when he was a teenager in the 1970s has been stripped of his status at his request, Bishop Robert J. McManus of the Worcester Diocese announced last week.

Lee F. Bartlett III, 74, was dispensed from the clerical state by Pope Francis and, as a result, may not function in any capacity as a priest or be referred to as a priest or as “Father” in writing such as in event announcements or obituaries.

The laicization follows the Catholic Church’s commitment to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, the diocese announced.