MICHIGAN
MLive
By Gary Ridley | gridley@mlive.com
on October 09, 2014
GRAND BLANC, MI — A Grand Blanc priest will remain on administrative leave despite recently finding out he will not face charges over accusations that he inappropriately touched two children.
Diocese of Lansing Bishop Earl Boyea announced Tuesday, Oct. 7, that the Rev. Ken Coughlin of Holy Family Parish will remain on leave after Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton announced he would not file charges against Coughlin over claims he touched the hand and legs of two students earlier this year at Holy Family Catholic School in Grand Blanc.
Boyea claimed that the leave stems from Coughlin’s allegedly inappropriate relationship with adult women.
“… Father Coughlin has been undergoing an assessment and treatment to address his embrace of celibacy and its proper expression,” Boyea said in his statement. “The treatment is ongoing and will help me decide on the best course for the future. In the meantime, Father Coughlin will continue to be on temporary administrative leave.”
Coughlin’s attorney, Frank J. Manley, said Coughlin is an outstanding priest who has dedicated his life to the church.
“Unfortunately, the reality is that a term like celibacy when involving the church includes an allegedly improper thought to a peck on the cheek,” Manley said.
However, Manley said he understand the church’s desire to ensure everyone in the parish that Coughlin is not engaged intentionally in improper acts.
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