TOLEDO -- The Rev. Nelson Beaver is "not suitable for priestly ministry," according to the Catholic Diocese of Toledo, which issued a press release Saturday after it investigated allegations of sexual abuse of minors dating back over 25 years.
Beaver was the pastor at Resurrection Parish in Lexington and St. Mary of the Snows Parish in Mansfield when he was placed on administrative leave in October 2018 after an initial allegation came to light.
Three other allegations of sexual abuse of a minor from a similar time period were subsequently made against him. None of the allegations involved his work in the two local churches.
Beaver denied the allegation, the diocese stated.
According to diocesan policy, the allegations were reported to county prosecutors in Huron, Lucas and Williams counties where the alleged abuse took place.
Only after all of the county prosecutors determined that they would not pursue the allegations (July, 2019), was the diocese free to conduct its own investigation. During the diocesan investigation, a fourth allegation came to light.
Once the diocesan investigation was completed, the Diocesan Review Board said in it thoroughly examined the matter, found all four allegations to be substantiated and voted unanimously that Beaver is not suitable for priestly ministry.
Bishop Daniel Thomas accepted the review board’s recommendation.
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Beaver remains on administrative leave and the diocese said his case will be presented to the Holy See, Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, in Rome, for a review and final determination.
In accordance with the Diocese of Toledo Policy for the Protection of Minors and Young People, while on administrative leave, Beaver cannot exercise public priestly ministry, administer any of the Sacraments, wear clerical attire or present himself as a priest.
The Diocese said it has offered pastoral care and professional counselling to each of the victims.
Thomas announced the decision last weekend at the two parishes where Beaver most recently served as pastor, the Diocese stated.
In addition, the diocese said counselors were made available after all weekend Masses for those in need of support. A similar announcement was also made last weekend by the pastors in the parishes where the allegations originated.
"The Diocese of Toledo remains vigilant in ensuring the protection of children and providing a safe environment for all young people, as well as ensuring the dignity and integrity of the priesthood," the press release stated. "The Diocese of Toledo asks for your continued prayers for all those involved."
Any allegation of sexual abuse of a minor by a priest, deacon, staff member or volunteer affiliated with the Diocese of Toledo should first be reported to local law enforcement where the abuse is alleged to have occurred.
Those reporting any such allegation should contact the Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator at 419-214-4880.
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