On July 2, 2007, three members from Saint Rose Parish in Perrysburg presented Bishop Blair with a copy of an e-mail from a private individual, whose name and other information were withheld, and a copy of a letter from SNAP. These two documents, alleging misconduct by Father David Nuss, were dated respectively April 23 and April 24, 2007.  Bishop Blair was told that these documents had been sent to him on these dates. However, neither the Bishop nor any one in his office ever received the e-mail, which had an incorrect e-mail address, or the letter.

In January 2007 Father Nuss reported to Bishop Blair that he had entered into a consensual but inappropriate relationship the previous Fall with a woman his age outside the Diocese of Toledo.  In the January report, Father Nuss explained that he had ended the relationship out of recognition that it was immoral and totally incompatible with his priestly promise, and he expressed directly to the Bishop his deep regret, genuine contrition for what he did and earnest desire to live and serve as a priest.  While he is keenly aware that his actions were sinful, hurtful of others, and unacceptable for a priest, in no way was the relationship civilly unlawful.

In light of all that happened at Saint Rose Parish regarding the appointment of a new pastor, it would not have been right to subject the parishioners to further controversy at this time.

Having expressed his sincere sorrow and having renounced his actions, Father Nuss, like every other person, should not be denied the mercy and forgiveness that we all need from God and from one another.  Father Nuss has fully cooperated with the Bishop’s guidance and instruction to seek all the spiritual and human helps necessary to avoid this sin. Father Nuss remains a priest with all the faculties to exercise his priestly ministry in the Diocese of Toledo.  The Bishop intends to grant him a brief sabbatical to which he is entitled by his years of ordination, and then assign him to pastoral ministry.

Father Nuss is deeply sorry for the pain his actions have caused the woman involved, his brother priests and the Catholic people, and he seeks their forgiveness as well.