ACCUSED PRIESTS TOLD TO RESIGN (Long Island’s bishop demands some accused of molestation leave priesthood)

The bishop of the diocese of Rockville Centre is demanding that some priests who have been accused of molesting boys formally resign from the priesthood, in his first move against clergy sex abuse.  While Bishop William F. Murphy declined to comment, his demand that they resign from the priesthood based on sexual abuse complaints is another indication that he is taking steps to address a problem that has attracted nationwide attention.  Nassau District Attorney Denis Dillon said Murphy would turn over to him all past sex abuse complaints made to the diocese.

(New York)