Church: Priest placed on leave for abuse claim
October 12, 2008 00:21 EDT

TOLEDO (AP) -- A retired Catholic priest from Toledo has been barred from saying Mass or wearing clerical garb after he was accused of sexually abusing a minor almost 30 years ago.

The Catholic Diocese of Toledo said in a statement Friday that a review panel has determined that the allegation against 75-year-old Rev. Lawrence Varney is credible.

Bishop Leonard Blair has placed Varney on administrative leave and barred him from public ministry. He cannot celebrate Mass with others or present himself as a priest.

The diocese says it has reported the allegation to local authorities.

Varney was an instructor at Toledo Central Catholic High School when the alleged abuse occurred.

The case is being referred to the Vatican for further review.

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Information from: The Blade, http://www.toledoblade.com/