A Co Down priest has been suspended as police investigate an allegation of sexual abuse against him.
Father
Terry Rafferty from the Diocese of Dromore will not be exercising
ministry while the PSNI investigation is taking place, the catholic
church said.
The cleric denies the allegation.
Bishop of Dromore John McAreavey told his parishioners in Donaghmore in County Down about the suspension at weekend masses.
The
bishop said when the allegation was made it was reported immediately to
the PSNI and the National Board for Safeguarding Children.
"In
accordance with the church safeguarding policy the priest concerned will
not be exercising ministry during the investigation," he said.
"It is important to stress that what has been received is an allegation.
"The
priest against whom the allegation is made denies any wrongdoing and
continues to be entitled to the presumption of innocence."