Kansas City, Missouri - 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.
