Catholic deacon suspension announcement
A Kansas City Catholic Deacon has been placed on suspension following a lawsuit that claims he sexually abused a teenage boy several decades back. The allegations against Deacon Ralph Wehner relate to incidents that are said to have occurred between 1982 and 1984 while he was associated with the Archdiocese of St. Louis.
In a statement released on August 7, the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph acknowledged that it was recently informed of the accusation against Wehner. In response, church officials started an initial investigation to review the circumstances surrounding the claims. Based on preliminary findings, a more comprehensive investigation was immediately launched by Bishop James Johnston.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, the Diocese emphasized that Wehner’s precautionary suspension should not be perceived as punishment or an admission of guilt. Instead, it serves as a protective step for all parties involved while the investigation unfolds.
The lawsuit has been filed in the St. Louis County Circuit Court and includes claims from 26 individuals who were minors at the time of the alleged abuse. Among them is a plaintiff identified as W.C., who states that Wehner abused him between the ages of 13 and 15. W.C. recounts his father’s religious expectations that pushed him into becoming an altar boy, leading to the abuse during robe fittings under the guise of preparation.
The legal action claims that the Archdiocese of St. Louis has been covering up allegations of abuse for decades. It urges anyone with information about misconduct involving church personnel, regardless of the timeline, to contact local law enforcement and the diocese’s confidential report line at 816-812-2500 or via email at ombudsman@diocesekcsj.org.
As the situation develops, the Diocese is committed to addressing the needs of survivors with urgency and respect, emphasizing their serious approach to such allegations. More information regarding the investigation and community response will likely emerge in the following days.
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