April 6, 2018 at 1:53 p.m.
STATEMENT
Priest removed from ministry
The Albany Diocese had contacted Saratoga County law enforcement authorities in April, immediately after receiving the complaint about Taylor and prior to his arrest. He was also placed on administrative leave by Bishop Scharfenberger, meaning that he was not permitted to publicly present himself as a priest, celebrate the sacraments or wear clerical garb.
Taylor had been ordained a priest two years ago and served as associate pastor at St. Kateri Tekakwitha parish in Schenectady. He had previously served as a deacon at Corpus Christi parish in Round Lake.
The Diocese's Oct. 9 statement on Taylor noted: "The Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany has a policy of zero tolerance for sexual abuse. No priest, deacon or employee whom the Diocese has reasonable grounds to believe sexually abused anyone at any time is permitted to function as a priest or deacon or to remain in our employ.
"Sexual abuse is a crime, an egregious sin and a threat to our society, and it must not go unreported. Any incidence of sexual abuse or misconduct should be reported to a law enforcement agency for investigation, no matter when it occurred. It is the policy of the Albany Diocese to report allegations of abuse immediately to law enforcement agencies and to cooperate fully with law enforcement investigations, as was done in this case."
To report abuse, contact the police or the local District Attorney's office. To reach the Diocese's assistance coordinator, Theresa Rodrigues, call 453-6646 or email [email protected]. The Diocese reports all allegations of sexual abuse of a minor to law enforcement.[[In-content Ad]]
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