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	Allegations against Priest Investigated By Ben Finley Bucks County Courier Times June 7, 2008 http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/111-06072008-1545604.html The Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania is investigating whether one of its Bucks County priests offered massages "with something extra afterwards" on an online classified site, according to Daniell Hamby, the dean of Episcopal priests in Bucks. The priest under investigation is 34-year-old Michael Ruk. He is the priest-in-charge of two churches in Falls — St. Paul's in Levittown and All Saints in Fallsington. On Wednesday, Ruk voluntarily stepped down from his duties at the two Bucks churches as the diocese conducts its investigation, Hamby said. Earlier this week, Philadelphia's NBC10 alleged that Ruk was possibly the person behind an online ad posted on craigslist.org in April offering "sacred and sensual body work" for men. The ad said it was posted by a 28-year-old male in Philadelphia. NBC10 said a New Jersey man who wanted to be known only as "Jake" allegedly discovered that Ruk was the author behind the ad. "Jake" told NBC10 that he and Ruk began e-mailing and instant messaging, with Ruk allegedly providing his cell phone number and requesting $100 for the massage, according to NBC10. After NBC10's story aired earlier this week, Ruk met with the acting bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania, which serves the Philadelphia region, Hamby said. Hamby said that Ruk explained to church officials that a friend of his placed the ad on craigslist using Ruk's computer and offered Ruk's phone number to the New Jersey man. "Father Ruk has told the diocese that when these things were alleged to have happened, [Ruk] was away, and a friend of his was living in his house," Hamby said. "And his friend, according to Father Ruk, is the one who did the posting, using [Ruk's] computer and giving Ruk's cell phone number as the contact." However, Ruk has been unwilling to identify who the friend is, Hamby said. "If I understand correctly, it could adversely affect his friend's employment," Hamby said. Hamby said a diocesan review board comprised of elected priests and lay people will conduct the investigation. Such inquiries typically take 30 days. But this one might take longer because the board must investigate two unrelated cases first, Hamby said. "The review committee has to look at the information that Channel 10 has broadcast and have a conversation with Ruk," Hamby said. "The board must consider the veracity of both [Ruk and NBC10] and find out exactly where the truth is." If and when the diocese determines misconduct regarding a priest, the priest could get a written warning, be stripped of his duties for a period of time or permanently removed from active priesthood, Hamby said. Ruk has been in the area for four or five years. He was ordained in the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh. In a 2007 interview with the newspaper, Ruk said he is a former high school teacher who once worked in the U.S. Capitol. He said he received a bachelor's degree in political science and religious studies and a master's degree in theology and divinity. He said his greatest achievement was his being ordained. He said the best thing about his job was meeting a "wide range of folks in all walks of life. Many times they are at pivotal times in their lives." The newspaper was unsuccessful in reaching Ruk for comment. He is living with friends in the area and has changed his cell phone number since NBC10's broadcast, Hamby said. Hamby declined to put the newspaper in touch with Ruk. "I don't know that he is running and hiding. I think he is trying to take care of himself," Hamby said of Ruk. Hamby said Ruk's parishioners were shocked at the allegations. St. Paul serves 75 to 100 members, and All Saints serves 50 to 70 members, Hamby said. "I've spoken with a number of them, and they are surprised. And they stand by him 100 percent," Hamby said. Hamby added: "He has so far been an excellent priest." Ben Finley can be reached at 215-949-4203 or bfinley@phillyBurbs.com.
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