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A longtime Harlem pastor who helped organize Pope Benedict XVI's visit to New York and gave the invocation at Gov. David Paterson's inauguration has stepped aside following allegations he sexually abused a minor.The Archdiocese of New York said in the statement that the Rev. Monsignor Wallace Harris has denied the allegations, "which concern actions that allegedly occurred 20 years ago."
The matter was referred to the district attorney's office, which said Monday that the statute of limitations for the complaints had expired.
"If there are any new complaints, we will investigate," spokeswoman Alicia Maxey-Greene said.
The allegations against Harris, 61, were announced during Sunday Mass at the Church of St. Charles Borromeo, where he has been pastor since 1989.
The archdiocese said Harris will not be allowed to practice as a priest pending an investigation by its Advisory Review Board.
Harris led a prayer at Paterson's inauguration in March and served as the event coordinator for part of pope's visit in April, including the Mass at Yankee Stadium.
The church is often referred to as the "cathedral of Harlem" because of its Gothic structure. Pope John Paul II visited the church in 1979.
A message left for Harris at a residence in Harlem went unanswered. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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