Lou. Priest Cleared of Sex Abuse Allegations

WHAS
December 16, 2014

http://www.whas11.com/story/news/local/2014/12/16/ron-domhoff-father-priest-ministry-sexual-abuse/20499723/

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) -- A Louisville priest placed on administrative leave of absence after an accusation of sexual abuse is cleared of all allegations Tuesday night.

Father Ron Domhoff was placed on leave in September.

The Louisville Achdiocese confirms that Father Domhoff will return to ministry. A statement by the Archdiocese says the LMPD Crimes Against Children unit has ended its investigation.

Furthermore an Archdiocese Review Board said there was no report or evidence that any abuse had ever occurred.

In a letter to his parishioners, Father Domhoff wrote the following: "The last few months have been the most terrifying experience of my 42 years as a priest. It has been a sheer emotional rollercoaster with deep lows and affirming highs…Constantly, I received texts and letters and hugs on the street and convinced me that I was never alone."

A former Louisville man, John David Gregory, made the claims against Domhoff. He said the abuse took place in the 1980s.

The Archdiocese Sexual Abuse Review Board was created in response to the Catholic Church's sex abuse scandal in 2002. William McMurry, an attorney who represented more than 200 of those victims in lawsuits against the Archdiocese, says this review board is a step in the right direction, but has limitations.

"We all recognize that the Archdiocese has a new order. They have their new policy where they convene a board that is looking at these cases as they are announced," McMurry said. "It really is not an organization or board that is likely to get to truth about what occurred decades ago. It does its best to be the gatekeeper of fact that can be revealed without subpoena power."

Gregory's attorney told WHAS11 news, on Tuesday, they had no comment regarding Domhoff being cleared of all the accusations.

Father Domhoff will resume his duties at St. Peter the Apostle Parish on Johnsontown Road on Wednesday, Dec. 17.

The following is the letter Father Domhoff sent to his parishioners:

December, 2014

My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The last few months have been the most terrifying experience of my 42 years as a priest. It has been a sheer emotional rollercoaster with deep lows and affirming highs. And through it all, I resorted to the greatest stability I have ever known in my life and that is my faith. I have always believed that this good God of mine is in control and that he would always hold me close to himself through it all. My faith and the faith and belief of my loving family, loyal friends, encouraging and supportive priests and especially the depth and sincerity of you, my beloved parishioners, has given me grace and strength to endure. Constantly, I received texts and letters and hugs on the street that convinced me that I was never alone. My God made sure of that. I am being held together by so many of you. I am blessed and humbled by your care and concern. You truly heal me. To say "thank you" is such a simple expression but, trust me, it runs deep within my soul. God bless you for being there.

The news that I have been praying for and waiting to share with you is now complete.

After being placed on administrative leave as pastor by Archbishop Kurtz on September 25, a thorough investigation was conducted by both civil authorities and by the Archdiocese. The police have informed the Archdiocese that they were ending their investigation and that no prosecution would take place. The Archdiocesan Abuse Review Board completed their work, and they found no evidence to conclude any abuse had occurred and the accusation made could not be substantiated. They recommended that it was prudent and just that I be reinstated to active ministry. I will be returning to St. Peter the Apostle to pray and worship with you and provide the spiritual needs to build our church community and to sustain our mission as welcoming people to our area of town. I long to celebrate, once again, the Eucharist with you. I long for that day.

As we, both, have gone through this time of our relationship, I have come to know, personally, the strength and wisdom of our Church as well. I am most grateful for Archbishop Kurtz and the many priests who stepped up and helped our parish and school. They have been true shepherds in my absence, bringing a steady leadership of hope and promise in trying times.

I have allowed myself some time for personal healing. This has taken a toll on me emotionally. However, I can announce that I will return back at all the Masses on the weekend of December 20 & 21 to celebrate our long-awaited Eucharist together.

My dear friends, we all have so much to be grateful for and we are all called to step up and continue our work. Please, join with me as we move forward together in faith, hope and charity. As St. Paul spoke so profoundly in his letter to the Christians in Corinth…

"Love is patient and love is kind. It does not boast…it does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking… Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. Now we see only a reflection as a mirror; then we shall see face to face… And these three things remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." (I Cor. 13)

God bless all of you.

Sincerely in Christ,

Fr. Ron