Allegations put pastor on leave

Fairbanks, Alaska --

The Fairbanks Catholic Diocese has placed the pastor of Immaculate Conception Church on administrative leave in response to an allegation that he sexually abused a minor about 25 years ago.

The Rev. Richard L. McCaffrey has been suspended from his pastoral duties while an inquiry is conducted, according to the diocese. The diocese made the announcement in a Tuesday news release that was distributed to several Alaska media outlets. It included the unusual action of publicly naming the priest.

McCaffrey said a diocesan official informed him of the allegation Saturday morning, but gave him no details.

"I'm shocked and saddened," he said. "All I can say is that I hope that this can be swiftly resolved and that my name be cleared.

"I don't know if we are talking about something that happened two months ago or 20 or 30 years ago," he said. "I don't know what I am accused of, frankly. The only thing I have is a clear conscience."

Read the article at News-Miner Dated June 02, 2005

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