Pastor of two Fargo Catholic Diocese churches placed on leave

By Jim Monk
KFGO
May 27, 2017

http://kfgo.com/news/articles/2017/may/28/pastor-of-two-fargo-catholic-diocese-churches-placed-on-leave/

FARGO (KFGO) - The pastor of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Wyndmere and St. Arnold's Catholic Church in Milnor has been placed on administrative leave for what the Diocese of Fargo calls "alleged conduct" involving his interaction with youth.

The Diocese says Father Thomas Feltman has been removed from his duties and will not be residing at the parish pending the outcome of an investigation.  

Bishop John Folda says the report is being taken seriously and says "appropriate civil authorities" have been contacted.

Statement from Bishop Folda:   

The Diocese of Fargo has placed Father Thomas Feltman, Pastor of St. John the Baptist’s Catholic Church in Wyndmere and St. Arnold’s Catholic Church in Milnor, on administrative leave from his priestly duties pending the outcome of an investigation into his alleged conduct at the Parish.

In a statement, Bishop John Folda of the Diocese of Fargo told parishioners of the two parishes: “Late last week, Father Thomas Feltman came to the Diocese to inform us of concerns that had been brought to him regarding his interaction with youth.  We take any such concerns very seriously.  We have reported the concerns to appropriate civil authorities at Richland County Social Services for them to review and investigate as they deem appropriate; we have placed Father Feltman on administrative leave and have removed him from his priestly duties pending a complete investigation of this matter.  Father Feltman will not be residing at the Parish during the period of this investigation.

I have appointed Father Andrew Jasinski to be the Temporary Administrator of the parishes.  He will ensure pastoral care for all the faithful at St. John’s in Wyndmere and St. Arnold’s in Milnor.

If any parishioners have specific information or concerns regarding Father Feltman’s interactions with others, we ask that you confer with Fr. Jasinski or, if you prefer, confer directly with the Richland County Sheriffs Office.   At the same time, we would encourage you to refrain from coming to any conclusions while the matter is investigated.

I want to assure you that the safety of our children and families is—and will remain – a priority for our Church.  I ask you to keep in your prayers our Church and everyone who may be affected by this matter.