A CATHOLIC priest has been suspended from the church after police launched an investigation into a historic sex abuse allegation.
Father Richard Rodgers, a priest in North Lanarkshire, was suspended from his parish after a complaint was made to the Diocese and then passed on to Police Scotland.
It is understood Bishop of Motherwell Joseph Toal arrived at St Mary's Parish Church in Cleland and told parishioners of the move before stepping in to cover mass himself.
The congregation was also told cover from elsewhere in the Diocese would be put in place for parishioners in his absence.
The 79-year-old has been removed from active ministry for an "unspecified period of time" after the allegation came to light.
Fr Rodgers, who worked as chaplain at Cleland Hospital, will not be living in the parish house while the investigation takes place.
News of the suspension comes as it emerged the Vatican's highest court effectively sacked a priest in Ayrshire due to ill health and complaints from sections of his congregation.
Fr Pat Lawson lost his appeal to the Signatura, which said his "ministry has been rendered substantially ineffectual to a large body of parishioners".
Fr Lawson had previously complained he had been sexually abused by a fellow cleric.
A spokesman for the Diocese of Motherwell said: "Following a complaint received by the Diocese and passed to Police Scotland, Fr Richard Rodgers will not be in active parish ministry for an unspecified period of time.
"Fr Rodgers has agreed to this and will not be living in the parish house or undertaking any public ministry.
"Fr Hugh Kelly, of St Brigid's, Newmains, who will be assisted by the Holy Ghost Fathers from Carfin, will act as administrators of St Mary's.
"While the Diocese of Motherwell await the outcome of the police investigation no further statements will be made."
Following further claims Fr Rodgers was also involved with St Mary's Primary School, a spokesman for North Lanarkshire Council said: "We are aware of these allegations. As the matter is currently being investigated by the police it would be inappropriate to make any comment."
A Police Scotland spokesman said: "We can confirm we have received a report in connection with alleged historical sexual abuse and the matter is currently being investigated."
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