Church Restricts Priest’s Ministry After Review

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis has restricted the ministry of a priest who has been on a leave of absence during a review of clergy files.

Archbishop John Nienstedt says he's limited the Rev. Joseph Gallatin's ministry so he won't be involved with minors. Nienstedt says Gallatin resigned as pastor of the Church of St. Peter in Mendota and will be reassigned.

Gallatin didn't immediately return messages seeking comment. He's been on leave since December after he was accused of a boundary violation. The archdiocese says Sunday the incident stems from a 1998 mission trip in which Gallatin rubbed the chest of a snoring male teen.

Charges weren't filed and a review board found Gallatin didn't violate rules protecting youth. The church has no other allegations against him.