February 28, 2006

Catholic priest removed over sexual abuse allegation

MISSOURI
Missourian

Tuesday, February 28, 2006

From staff and wire reports
A former Cape Girardeau priest has been dismissed from his post in the Springfield-Cape Girardeau Catholic Diocese following an investigation of sexual misconduct allegations.

The diocese said in a news release Monday that Monsignor Stephen Schneider violated the diocese's standards of conduct for alleged sexual misconduct with a minor and that he will no longer function as a priest.

Bishop John Leibrecht of the Springfield-Cape Girardeau Catholic Diocese told parishioners at St. Peter the Apostle Church in Joplin, Mo., where Schneider was assigned, that Schneider had been relieved of all duties as pastor at the church.

The allegations were first brought before the diocese in December. According to the news release, diocesan officials then notified law enforcement.

Posted by kshaw at February 28, 2006 08:00 AM