Priest steps down amid PSNI probe

A priest in Northern Ireland has stepped down from his ministry during a police investigation, it was revealed today.

Officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland removed computers and financial records for examination from the priest’s home, said a spokesman for the Catholic Church.

Parishioners in Father John McCallum’s parish at Kilcoo, Co Down in the Diocese of Down and Conor were informed of the development by Bishop Donal McKeown during Mass on Saturday night.

A statement from the diocese said it would be inappropriate to make any further comment, but insisted that no allegations had been made against Father McCallum.

The church stressed: “No allegation or accusation whatsoever, whether regarding financial impropriety or any other issue, has been made against Father McCallum.”

It added: “Bishop McKeown met the priest and the priest has stepped down from all ministry pending the conclusion of that investigation.”

The Church in Kilcoo is currently being renovated. Work estimated to cost £900,000 (€132,000) began in January.