The Dunedin Catholic diocese has accepted a complaint of sexual misconduct against a priest.
A statement read out at Sunday Mass said Fr Fivins Chittilappilly had been stood down pending an investigation.
Dunedin bishop, Michael Dooley said the complaint is being investigated by church authorities including the National Office for Professional Standards.
The ODT understands the complaint was made by an adult woman.
The priest only began ministering in the diocese in January 2020. Dooley told the ODT that the priest will neither work nor continue to reside in the Dunedin diocese. Continue reading