Buffalo, NY (WBEN) The Buffalo Catholic Diocese has placed Rev. Donald Lutz, pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Buffalo, on administrative leave as the Independent Review Board reviews two allegations of misconduct.
The Diocese says the first allegation was brought to the Diocese’s attention in a recent lawsuit filed on behalf of a female complainant whose identity was withheld for privacy reasons. Diocesan attorneys contacted the attorney who filed the lawsuit to encourage his client to contact the Victim Assistance Coordinator and to submit a canonical complaint which then allows diocesan authorities to take appropriate action and refer the matters to the Independent Review Board. The client has now submitted a canonical complaint.
The second woman, although not pursuing a lawsuit against Fr. Lutz or the Diocese, has also made a report of abuse to the Victim Assistance Coordinator. In addition, the Diocese referred both matters to the Erie County District Attorney's office.
Both incidents allegedly occurred in the 1970s.
The Diocese says placing an active priest on administrative leave does not imply guilt and no such determination has been made as to the allegations. "Fr.
Lutz will be restricted from presenting himself or functioning as a priest, pending the outcome of the Independent Review Board’s recommendation and final action by the presiding bishop," adds the Diocese in a statement.