PORTLAND (AP) – A longtime priest accused of sexual abuse has resigned as pastor of a Lyman parish, and allegations against him have been forwarded to the Vatican, church officials said.

The Rev. Thomas Lee, 76, stepped down as pastor of St. Philip Parish on a temporary basis last year pending an investigation of what the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland said was a report of sexual abuse of a minor about 20 years ago.

A letter written by Bishop Joseph Gerry said the initial investigation has been completed and that Lee has resigned. The letter was read during Saturday services to parishioners at St. Philip Parish and Our Lady Queen of Peace in Boothbay Harbor. It was scheduled to be read again Sunday.

Lee served at Lady Queen of Peace from 1971-85, and at St. Philip from 1985 until last year.

In his letter, Gerry wrote that in accordance with the Dallas Charter approved by American bishops in 2002, the allegations against Lee are being referred to the Holy See, which will determine Lee’s guilt or innocence. The Dallas Charter is a policy regarding priests and allegations of sexual abuse.

“The referral to the Holy See means that the allegations raised enough concern that this next step in the process is necessary,” Gerry said in the letter.

Michael Sweatt, spokesman for the Maine chapter of the Catholic reform group Voice of the Faithful, said he is pleased the case has been sent to the Vatican. He said many minors were abused by Lee, five of whom he has talked to. Sweatt said the victims were 8 to 10 years old when Lee had them swim in the nude at a camp on Sebago Lake, and gave them individual rubdowns, touched their genitals and took photos of them in the nude.

However, Sweatt said that Gerry was not forthright enough with parishioners about the case and should have said Lee was removed from his position, not that he resigned. He said Gerry’s letter does not convey the seriousness of the allegations against Lee.

“I think the announcement is buried in church talk,” Sweatt said. “He could have been more direct.”

When Lee stepped down last September, he was restricted from having contact with minors. Those restrictions will remain, Gerry said.

A new pastor will be assigned in June, he said.

Lee was ordained in 1953 and served St. Martin of Tours in Millinocket from 1953-55. From 1955-71 he served at Mercy Hospital in Portland, Maine Medical Center, Boys’ Training Center and the Men’s Correctional Center.

AP-ES-03-06-04 2046EST