Catholic Priest Removed Amid Abuse Accusations

Michael Tierney Denies Allegations

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A Kansas City reverend was removed from his position as pastor of Christ the King Parish amid reports of sexual misconduct with minors several decades ago, according to a Catholic Diocese of Kansas City news release. 

The Independent Review Board said it received credible reports alleging sexual misconduct with minors by Rev. Michael Tierney in the early 1970s and 1980s. 

One individual making a complaint recently met with the Review Board, a panel of eight people that includes clinical psychologists, law enforcement personnel and a member of the clergy, who advises Bishop Robert Finn on matters of clerical misconduct.  

After hearing the report and meeting with Tierney, board members also considered information concerning two other individuals, according to the release. Each accuser declined to meet with the Review Board, but made similar claims of misconduct by Tierney, according to the release. One of these individuals originally reported wrestling with Tierney, but claimed in a 2010 lawsuit that he had been groped. 

The board recommended that Finn remove Tierney as pastor of Christ the King Parish and from all other public ministry. Finn accepted, and implemented the board’s recommendation, effective June 2. 

Tierney has continued to deny the allegations and has cooperated fully in the investigation, according to the news release.

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Catholic bishop removes priest from KC church

Bishop Robert Finn has removed a priest from his duties as pastor of Christ the King parish in Kansas City and from all other public ministry, the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph announced tonight.

In a statement released at 7:48 p.m., the diocese said that its review board, which is charged with assessing sexual abuse allegations against priests, had received “credible reports alleging sexual misconduct with minors by Father Michael Tierney in the early 1970s and 1980s.”

One person making a complaint recently met with the review board, the diocese said.

“After hearing this report and meeting with Father Tierney, board members also considered information concerning two other individuals,” the diocese said in its statement. “Each declined to meet with the review board but made similar claims of misconduct by Father Tierney. One of these individuals originally reported wrestling with Father Tierney, but in a 2010 lawsuit claimed that he had been groped.”

As a result, the review recommended that Finn take action against Tierney, the statement said.

“Father Tierney continues to deny these allegations, but has cooperated fully in this process,” the diocese said. “Bishop Finn accepted and implemented the board’s recommendation effective June 2, 2011.”

Tierney was accused in a civil lawsuit last year of molesting a boy in 1971. And in a civil suit filed in February, Tierney was accused of making “lewd and inappropriate comments” to a boy who was allegedly being molested by another priest.

In April, the diocese said its review board did not find any credible claim of sexual abuse involving Tierney.