Central New York Priest Deposed After Investigation
05/24/2006

Ralph E. Johnson, 79, voluntarily renounced orders April 28 and has been deposed from the priesthood after an investigation by members of the pastoral response team in the Diocese of Central New York determined that an allegation of sexual misconduct against him was credible and deserved further investigation. Mr. Johnson was rector of St. Paul’s Church, Owego, N.Y., from 1970 to 1977.

A former Owego resident said in a written affidavit that Mr. Johnson molested him at least 20 times in the rectory and at a cabin owned by Mr. Johnson in Gibson, Pa. The man, who was about 15 at the time, lives in Florida. Mr. Johnson retired from the ministry in 1989.

In a prepared statement for the media, the Diocese of Central New York stated “Because of his advanced age, frail health and desire to avoid the stress of a protracted prosecution and defense, Fr. Johnson agreed to voluntarily renounce his orders. In other words, admitting no guilt, he has agreed to abide by the canons of the Church which, with the consent of the majority of all the members of the standing committee, will result in a Sentence of Deposition.”
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