The Diocese of Brooklyn has recently received information that Christopher Lee Coleman, a laicized priest of the diocese, is conducting himself in a manner that may cause confusion among the faithful.

He was ordained to the priesthood on May 21, 1994 in St. James Cathedral. On Sept. 8, 2009 the Diocese of Brooklyn received an allegation of sexual misconduct against a minor through our independent reporting line, 888-634-4499, naming Coleman as the perpetrator. After an extensive investigation by retired detectives of the NYPD Special Victims Bureau, the matter was referred to the Diocesan Review Board.

Upon deliberation, the Review Board recommended to the Bishop of Brooklyn that Coleman be removed from the priesthood. In consideration of their recommendation, Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, with Coleman’s consent, petitioned the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith to ask the Holy Father to dispense him from the clerical state. The Holy Father dispensed Coleman on June 12, 2013; effectively releasing him of all duties and obligations associated with ordination to the priesthood. Subsequently, with the release of the Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program, a new allegation against a minor has surfaced which was also found to be credible.

It has been reported in recent days that Coleman has been acting in a manner that may lead people to believe that he is still in active priestly ministry, which he is not. Please direct any questions or additional information to the Chancery at 718-399-5990.