News Summary
Deacon Ralph Wehner, known in Kansas City, returns to ministry after an independent investigation into sex abuse claims found no evidence supporting the allegations. Wehner’s precautionary suspension was lifted by the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, which confirmed no complaints from parishioners during the inquiry. The original allegations stemmed from a lawsuit filed in St. Louis, with the complainant later dismissing the claims. The diocese continues to advocate for transparency and encourages reporting any misconduct.
Kansas City Deacon Ralph Wehner Returns to Ministry After Investigation
In a somewhat surprising twist, Deacon Ralph Wehner, a familiar face at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Kansas City, has resumed his full-time ministry duties after facing a significant investigation into a sex abuse claim that originated in a separate lawsuit filed in St. Louis. This development is bound to spark conversation among parishioners and the wider community.
Investigation Wraps Up with No Corroboration
The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph has officially confirmed that Wehner’s precautionary suspension has been lifted. This comes after an independent investigation failed to find supporting evidence for the serious allegations made against him. A spokesperson for the diocese emphasized that, despite the alarming nature of the claims, the inquiry did not validate the accusations, leading to the decision to allow Wehner to return to ministry.
The St. Louis Lawsuit
The allegations against Wehner surfaced in a lawsuit that was filed on July 24. This lawsuit accuses church officials in St. Louis of not just one but decades of covering up incidents of sexual abuse by clergy and staff. Among a long list of plaintiffs, Wehner’s name surfaced, with one individual accusing him—identified in court documents as “Brother Ralph Wehner”—of groping and fondling him multiple times between 1982 and 1984, during the plaintiff’s teenage years.
Accuser Dismisses Claims
Diocese’s Commitment to Transparency
The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph has reiterated its thoroughness in handling the investigation, though it admitted it encountered challenges in obtaining cooperation from the complainant. They have maintained their commitment to ensuring a safe environment and have prioritized the health and healing of survivors. Since 2002, the diocese has educated over 41,000 individuals linked to the Church about recognizing and reporting potential cases of child sexual abuse.
Calls for Greater Transparency
Encouragement for Reporting Misconduct
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Kansas City Star
- KSHB 41 News
- KCTV 5 News
- Wikipedia: Clerical Sexual Abuse
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual Abuse
