UWS Priest Known For LGBTQ Support Forced To Retire

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — A popular priest at an Upper West Side church who was known for his support of the LGBTQ communities was forced to retire early due to allegations of sexual misconduct, according to New York Archdiocese officials.

Father John Duffell was forced out of his position at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament on West 71st Street at the beginning of the month after being issued a "decree of suspension" this month, which prevents him from performing ministerial duties, Duffell wrote family and friends in a letter. The suspension was order due to an allegation of sexual misconduct with an adult from "many years ago," Duffell wrote in the letter.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan wrote Blessed Sacrament's parishioners a letter writing that Duffell "abused his position of authority in violation of his promise of celibacy." Both Dolan and Duffell's letters stressed that the allegation was not made by a minor.

"This allegation was made first to the district attorney, and then brought to our attention. This allegation involves an adult; it does not involve a minor. It is important that the archdiocese take such allegations seriously," Dolan wrote in a letter to Blessed Sacrament parishioners.

Duffell said that he kept the allegations from the parish because he "categorically denied" them, he wrote in the letter to the parish.

"Anything I have not shared this past weekend, was done so until now, due to an order of confidentiality, because the Archdiocese felt that something had to be done for the good of the Church," Duffell's letter reads.

The priest's suspension coincides with a planned retirement, and he plans to spend the time to " take care of myself while any civil proceedings play out" and "spend some time on vacation and retreat," Duffell wrote in his letter.

Duffell was well known inside and outside of the church for his welcoming stance toward LGBTQ worshipers, the Daily News first reported. The priest set up a gay fellowship at the church and began sermons by stressing that people of all sexualities were welcome at the church, according to the report. Duffell also struck up a friendship with pop star Lady Gaga and partnered with her Born This Way Foundation to hold fundraisers at the West 71st Street church.

Bishop Gerald Walsh will serve as the temporary administrator at the Upper West Side church until a new pastor is appointed, Dolan wrote in his letter to the parish. Dolan described the priest as one of the church's "most admired, respected, and experienced pastors."