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