BishopAccountability.org
	Soco Church Announces Local Link to Alleged Abuse KKTV April 25, 2010 http://www.kktv.com/news/headlines/92029619.html [with video] An announcement was made Saturday at the Divine Redeemer Catholic Church in Colorado Springs. Rev. Jim Klein, Pastor for Divine Redeemer said a former priest from the church is accused of molesting a boy during the 1970's. The Catholic Diocese of Colorado Springs is asking anyone with abuse allegations contact the diocese office. The accused priest, Fr. Melvin Thompson is on suspension by the Denver Archdiocese, pending an internal investigation. There are no allegations of abuse in the Colorado Springs area, but the church said Fr. Thompson worked at Divine Redeemer in the summer of 1970. Thompson maintains his innocence. The archdiocese in Denver acted firm and fast, removing Thompson from active ministry. In a statement Archbishop Charles Chaput called it "difficult news," saying the church received "a complaint against father Thompson for sexual misconduct with a minor... that reportedly occurred in the early 1970's". The allegations in Denver came out last week. Fr. Thompson most recently worked at St. Thomas More for nearly a decade. Parishioners in Denver describe him as a grandfatherly man in his 70's. The diocese has not said exactly where the alleged abuse happened. The Divine Redeemer’s Pastor, Jim Klein told 11 News the announcement is a proactive move by the church in Colorado Springs. The Catholic Church has a policy to report all claims to law enforcement and also offers counseling to victims. Klein also said the archdiocese does criminal background checks on all personnel who work closely with children. The church is asking anyone to come forward with allegations of abuse. The number you can call is (719) 636-2345.
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