Archbishop steps down amid abuse claims

[CHIMO]

An archbishop who has held positions in a number of Canadian communities has stepped down amid allegations of sexual abuse.

In a statement released on the website of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA), church officials said Archbishop Seraphim Storheim, 66, of Ottawa is on a leave of absence as police in Canada investigate abuse claims.

The OCA's statement indicates the church is co-operating with investigators and that an internal probe is underway.

Winnipeg police could not be immediately reached for comment, but media outlets are reporting that local sex-crimes investigators have opened an investigation.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/manitoba/story/2010/10/05/man-archbishop-steps-aside.html

Tuesday, October 5, 2010 | 8:27 PM CT