LAKE HIGHLANDS (TX)
The Dallas Morning News
11:49 PM CDT on Sunday, May 21, 2006
By JON NIELSEN / The Dallas Morning News
The pastor of St. Patrick Church in Lake Highlands has been suspended, the Dallas Diocese said Sunday, pending an investigation of improper conduct with a minor more than 20 years ago.
The Rev. Monsignor Richard E. Johnson, 76, has been relieved from his pastoral duties at the church, according to a story on the Web site of Texas Catholic, the official diocesan newspaper. It said Dallas Bishop Charles V. Grahmann reported the allegation to authorities and called for the convening of a diocesan review board.
James C. Beakey Sr., a member of St. Patrick since 1968, said he couldn't believe the allegations against the church's pastor of 22 years.
"He has done a wonderful job for our parish; I will support him 110 percent," Mr. Beakey said. "I'm extremely surprised and will fight it with all my might."