A CO Down priest "expects to return to the ministry in the very near future" after a decision not to prosecute him on an historic allegation.
Canon Francis Brown, an administrator of the parish of Newry, had denied the allegation of wrongdoing dating back to 1984.
He voluntarily stepped aside in May 2018 to allow an investigation to take place.
The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) said there had been a “thorough and robust investigation” and they will not be proceeding with a prosecution.
The decision was revealed in a statement released this week by Canon Brown's solicitors, Newry-based Elliott-Trainor Partnership Solicitors.
They said the "unequivocal decision .... vindicates Canon Brown who has constantly denied any wrongdoing at any time in his life and throughout his ministry as a priest".
The priest had served as administrator of Newry parish since January 1, 2010.
When he stepped aside last year he said he "looked forward to a thorough and expeditious examination of the matter and that he expected to return to his work in the near future".
The statement from the solicitor said that "after May 2018, Canon Brown was invited by police on one occasion to meet with them, at which time he fully cooperated with them in their enquiry".
It added that while the investigation "was not expeditious", Canon Brown had been notified by the PPS of their decision not to prosecute him in relation to the allegation.
It added: "Canon Brown is profoundly grateful to his family, his fellow priests and deacons, his close friends, his parishioners and those many people beyond the parish of Newry who have been a constant support to him since May 2018.
"Canon Brown is in communication with the church authorities and expects to return to ministry in the very near future."
In June last year, the Diocese of Dromore appointed Desmond Loughran, a parish priest of Dromore, as a temporary replacement for Canon Francis Brown.
A statement released by the diocese yesterday said it "understands that, following a full investigation by the relevant authorities, no charges are being brought by the Public Prosecution Service with regard to an historical allegation raised last year against Canon Francis Brown".
It added: "The normal review and procedures in accordance with the church’s national and diocesan policies will now resume and a further statement will be made when these processes are complete."
Canon Brown is a native of Hilltown and a former vice-president (vice-principal) and president (principal) of St Colman's College in Newry.
He held the president's post from 2000 until 2009, when he was removed from the role by Bishop McAreavey as part of the annual diocesan changes.
