MICHIGAN
MINBC News

GRAND BLANC — After being on paid administrative leave since May, Fr. Ken Coughlin, pastor of Holy Family Church, is taking a leave of absence. Fr. Coughlin faces allegations of inappropriate touching of students.

In a letter to parishioners today, Fr. Coughlin continued to claim his innocence, saying, “My hope is that the investigation will prove what I know to be true, that I am innocent of anything criminal.”

In the letter he also says the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing has asked him to, “Consider entering a program of assessment that assists clergy and religious with their ministry.”

Coughlin says he has agreed to the request.