LEXINGTON — A Mansfield-area priest, the Rev. Nelson Beaver, was placed on administrative leave after an allegation of sexual abuse involving a minor was made in connection with an incident more than 25 years ago, according to a press release issued Saturday from the Diocese of Toledo.
Father Beaver has denied the allegation, which is the only one filed against him, Toledo Bishop Daniel Thomas stated in the release.
Bishop Thomas said Father Beaver was placed on leave as a precautionary step while law enforcement and church officials investigate the accusation. Beaver will not be allowed to continue duties as the pastor of Resurrection Parish in Lexington, and St. Mary of the Snows Parish in Mansfield.
He is no longer residing at those parishes while on administrative leave.
“The allegation was not made in relation to these parish assignments,” Bishop Thomas stated.
The release does not further specify when or where the alleged incident took place.
Information about the accusation was turned over to law enforcement. In addition, the diocese is conducting an independent investigation, which will also be turned over to law enforcement, he said.
On Aug. 20, 2018, Bishop Thomas wrote a Letter to the Faithful regarding sexual abuse in the church. It was published on the Resurrection Parish website.
“We take every allegation of abuse of a minor with the utmost seriousness,” Bishop Thomas said in Saturday’s press release. “Administrative leave is a first, precautionary step that safeguards and protects children while we start a canonical process of determining whether the allegation can be substantiated and whether a priest should remain in ministry.”
The diocese stated it made “an offer of pastoral care” to the person who reported the allegation.
Father Beaver served in 1979 at Toledo’s Blessed Sacrament Parish. In 1981 he worked at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. He was a priest at Norwalk’s St. Mary’s church from 1994 to 2004. In 2004 he was at Toledo’s St. Hyacinth Parish until the summer of 2005.
While on administrative leave, Beaver cannot exercise ministry, administer sacraments, wear clerical attire or present himself as a priest, according to the Catholic Church’s “Policy for the Protection of Minors and Young People.”
Anyone who wishes to submit an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor by a priest, deacon, or anyone else affiliated with the Diocese of Toledo is asked to report it to law enforcement and to the Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator at 419-214-4880.
The dean of the area is expected to inform Father Beaver’s parishioners and offer all weekend masses at Resurrection and St. Mary of the Snows parishes. In addition, counselors are being made available during all weekend services.
