PRIEST CONFESSES TO PEDOPHILIA

A source in the diocese told me this evening that the priest charged with acts of pedophilia at St. Paul's Church in Owego was visited this week by Bishop Skip Adams and Fr. John Martinicchio. The priest confessed his crimes and renounced his orders as a priest of the Episcopal Church during this meeting. This confession supports the allegations that were raised over two years ago by Fr. David Bollinger, then rector of St. Paul's. At the time the diocese said that it had insufficient information to fully investigate the charges at that time. When another witness came forward earlier this year the diocese had no choice but to investigate the charges. While the issues related to the pedophilia are closer to resolution at this time, the diocese has not yet rescinded the presentment against Fr. Bollinger.