The Continuing Saga of Father Christopher Clay

New bishop of Scranton says he is banned from active ministry.

From Times Leader | 07/14/2004 | Suspended or not? Accused ex-local priest’s status unclear:

“A former area priest accused of sexual abuse was banned from active ministry, then given the OK to resume that work … except he wasn’t.

Confused? So is the priest’s lawyer.

Attorney Greg Magarity says his client, the Rev. Christopher Clay, deserves answers. In 2002, Clay was accused of sexual misconduct and relieved of his duties. But he later received approval to resume active ministry from then-Bishop James Timlin.

Yet according to Diocese of Scranton spokeswoman Maria Orzel, Bishop Joseph Martino, who replaced Timlin last year, still bans Clay from active ministry. On Tuesday, Orzel said the ban is intact because a diocesan investigation is ‘ongoing.'”