Priest Placed on Leave in Kc Diocese

By Judy L. Thomas
Kansas City Star
January 26, 2012

http://www.kansascity.com/2012/01/25/3391505/priest-placed-on-leave-in-kc-diocese.html

Bishop Robert Finn has placed a priest in the Kansas City-St. Joseph Diocese on administrative leave and restricted him from public ministry, the diocese confirmed today.

"In recent weeks, information came to the ombudsman that prompted Bishop Finn and the Independent Review Board to invoke a strict application of all diocesan policies and procedures," the diocese said in a statement.

The diocese announced the action at the priest's church Sunday but provided no further details about the case or what the allegations involved.

"While this investigation is in a preliminary phase, the diocese urges everyone to understand that further information only can be made available once the facts are known," the statement said.

This is the first priest to be suspended since the ombudsman position was created last summer, the diocese said. The ombudsman "receives and investigates all reports of inappropriate behavior or sexual misconduct by clergy, employees or volunteers in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph," according to the diocese.

Contact: jthomas@kcstar.com