MOUNT CLEMENS (MI)
The Detroit News
Pastor suspended for failing to report alleged sex assault on church property
By Josh Katzenstein
The Detroit News
The Archdiocese of Detroit has suspended the pastor of a Mount Clemens church after he failed to report allegations of sexual abuse against a minor that occurred on church property.
Father Michael Cooney, 63, of St. Peter Church has been temporarily suspended from active ministry. He has been with the church since 1990, Archdiocese spokesman Ned McGrath said.
Bishop Michael Byrnes told the parish the news during mass Saturday and three masses on Sunday, and he will now serve as administrator for the church.
“The archdiocese has learned enough at this point to question why Fr. Cooney, having been informed of this alleged conduct, failed in his response to protect the victim, in promptly reporting what he knew to law enforcement authorities, and to provide a safe environment for children and young people on parish property,” read the statement Byrnes gave to the parishioners. “There is no allegation of abuse against Fr. Cooney. None. But, the archdiocese does hold him accountable.”
Note: This is an Abuse Tracker excerpt. Click the title to view the full text of the original article. If the original article is no longer available, see our News Archive.