"We heard through the grapevine, in fact, some question of inappropriate behavior. The bishop was concerned. . .He initiated the preliminary investigation to get to the source," said Rich.

The inquiry followed canonical guidelines set down by the national church and included an interview with the alleged victim of the misconduct.

Afterwards, Robinson presented his findings to Stretch and the rector submitted to the voluntary discipline.

"He is not able to function as a priest or represent himself as a priest," Rich said. Stretch is forbidden to celebrate Mass and to wear clerical garb in public while suspended.

Rich would neither describe the nature of the alleged misconduct nor comment on whether the bishop was able to determine the veracity of the complaint. He also would not disclose the age or gender of the alleged victim, when the matter came to the bishop's attention or when it allegedly occurred.

While Rich said the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire complies with all state laws mandating suspected child abuse be reported to civil authorities, he would not say whether the diocese referred the matter to authorities.

"A great deal of the parameters that have dictated the content of the bishop's statement have been based upon an expressed desire for confidentiality on the part of the individual from which the allegations have come," Rich said.

Robinson went to St. Andrew's parish Oct. 31 to inform members of the allegation against their former pastor and Rich's decision to accept a voluntary suspension, Rich said.

"It's a painful thing for a priest. It's a painful thing for a congregation. How do you integrate the image of a priest who has been there with you when someone is dying or when baptizing your baby. . .with someone who has been accused of misconduct?" he said.

Rich said the preliminary investigation was "very thorough and exhaustive" and found no other allegations of misconduct.

Stretch would not discuss the matter.

"I'm required by the diocese not to comment," he said.

Stretch can apply to be reinstated to function as a priest when he turns 75 in 2013 provided he complied with all other terms set down in his letter of discipline, Rich said. Rich would not disclose those terms.

The decision to negotiate a voluntary discipline with Stretch was one of several options available to the bishop, Rich said.

The others included lifting the "temporary inhibition" imposed on Stretch at the start of the investigation and restoring him to full ministry or referring the matter to the diocese's standing committee for a formal investigation, he said.

Several parish vestry members had no comment and referred calls to the diocese.

END