Priest suspended for pedophilia allegation

CHICAGO, Feb. 1 (UPI) -- The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago has removed a priest from the ministry pending an investigation into pedophilia allegations.

The move Tuesday came the same day a class-action lawsuit was filed against the archdiocese, claiming the church in Chicago has refused to release secret files and a list of priests accused of sexual abuse.

The Chicago Sun-Times reports Cardinal Francis George removed the priest because of a 20-year-old allegation. The priest's name was not released.

The cardinal's spokeswoman, Colleen Dolan, said a board has been set up to review accusations made against Chicago priests, including the one removed.

In 2004 the archdiocese said 55 priests were being investigated for abuse of minors but a complete list of the priests in question was kept quiet. The lawsuit filed Tuesday wants the list made public.

Attorney Jeff Anderson said his two clients have waited years for action by the archdiocese with too little results. He said the delay puts other children at risk.

The Rev. Daniel McCormack, who allegedly molested of one of Anderson's clients, was charged Jan. 21 with two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. A nun in the diocese had reported McCormack to Chicago church officials in 2000.