KANASAS CITY (KS)
The Leaven
One of the responsibilities as Archbishop that I do not cherish having to deal with involves allegations of misconduct made against clergy, employees or volunteers of the archdiocese. Fortunately for this archdiocese, such allegations are very rare. However, in the past week I have had to remove a long-standing priest from active ministry while the archdiocese conducts an investigation into a recently received allegation of sexual misconduct. This form of administrative leave is standard practice when allegations of misconduct are made against a priest or deacon.
The Safe Environment Coordinator for the archdiocese recently received a report from a 45-year-old Kansas City, Kan., man who alleges that 30 years ago (1982) when he was 15 years old, he was inappropriately touched by a priest of the archdiocese, Father John Wisner. The man claims that the alleged misconduct took place while on a youth outing.
I have spoken with Father Wisner concerning the allegation and he acknowledges the time, location and circumstances surrounding the allegation; however, he denies that he engaged in any sexual misconduct. Father Wisner has been cooperating with the investigation. I have appointed a special auditor with law enforcement and investigative experience to investigate the allegation and, in accord with archdiocesan polices, local law enforcement has been contacted and the chairman of the Independent Review Board has been notified.
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