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Diocese of Scranton priest removed for displaying 'inappropriate' photos before Mass
Published: November 3, 2009
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A priest in the Diocese of Scranton has been removed as administrator of three Throop parishes after he inadvertently displayed four photos of what a diocese spokesman called "minimally attired adult males" before the 8 a.m. Mass at St. Bridget's Church on Oct. 25.
The Rev. Edward P. Lyman was using his personal computer to project an informational DVD about the diocesan Annual Appeal fundraiser when he accidentally showed the "inappropriate personal photographs" that were stored on his computer, according to a diocesan statement read at the Throop Masses on Sunday.
Diocese spokesman William Genello said the photos were not pornographic and did not display nudity or sexual activity. The photos were not of Lyman, nor did he take the pictures, Genello said.
There were no pictures of minors and no evidence of illegal activity, he said.
Cardinal Justin Rigali, the interim leader of the diocese, has appointed the Rev. Jeffrey Walsh as the new administrator of St. Anthony, St. Bridget and St. John the Baptist parishes.
In a statement to the congregations on Sunday, the Walsh said his "abrupt" appointment was necessary because of the "unfortunate" disclosure of the photographs a week earlier.
"This event was greatly disturbing to those who were present at St. Bridget's," he said.
Diocesan leaders have made arrangements for Lyman to "receive appropriate care for whatever has led to such behavior on his part," the Rev. Walsh said.
Genello would not say where Lyman is living or where he is receiving treatment. His diocesan address is listed as the St. John the Baptist rectory at 520 Sanderson St. in Throop.
Lyman was ordained in 1967. He most recently served as the administrator of St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Mary of Czestochowa churches in Archbald before becoming the administrator of the Throop parishes in 2007.
The Rev. Walsh told the Throop congregations on Sunday that Cardinal Rigali is "deeply concerned" for parishioners who were "offended and disturbed by the unfortunate images which were shown last weekend."
He apologized to those who were hurt by the incident.
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