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	Diocese’s Finn and Murphy Appear before Grand Jury By Mark Morris And Glenn E. Rice Kansas City Star September 27, 2011 http://www.kansascity.com/2011/09/27/3170930/dioceses-finn-and-murphy-appear.html The landscape of the diocese’s legal issues broadened significantly Tuesday as its two top clerics testified before a Clay County grand jury focusing on child sexual abuse issues. Bishop Robert Finn and Monsignor Robert Murphy spent more than six hours before a grand jury in Liberty. Both also have testified before a similar panel in Jackson County in recent weeks. Murphy, the Kansas City-St. Joseph Diocese’s vicar general and second-in-command, has come under fire since May for his management of questions surrounding the Rev. Shawn Ratigan. Ratigan is facing child pornography charges in Clay County and federal court. Flanked by two lawyers, Murphy entered the Clay County Courthouse just before 8:30 a.m. Tuesday. It’s not clear when Finn entered the courthouse, but he left at about 3 p.m. accompanied by his lawyers. They declined comment. But Murphy’s lawyer, Brian Gaddy, said, “Monsignor Murphy has fully cooperated and will continue to fully cooperate with the authorities in this case.” He added, however, “we cannot comment on the specifics of his court appearance today.” Finn and Murphy’s appearances marked their second known grand jury appearance in two months. Both were earlier called before a Jackson County grand jury believed to be exploring similar issues. Meanwhile, federal prosecutors have said their investigation into the Ratigan case is “ongoing.” Finn named Murphy vicar general when Finn took over the diocese’s leadership in 2005. Until recently, Murphy had handled the diocese’s sex abuse complaints against priests and was on a diocesan review board that assessed allegations against priests and made recommendations to the bishop. In June, Finn removed Murphy from that role after The Kansas City Star reported that he had been accused of past sexual improprieties. Finn has said those allegations were unfounded. Murphy continues to be responsible for general administration, directly supervising chancery employees and serving on diocesan boards and committees. Murphy also remains as pastor of St. Bridget Parish in Pleasant Hill. At least five top diocesan administrators and advisers have appeared before state grand juries in recent weeks. A recent internal investigation showed that church officials knew for five months about troubling photos of young girls on Ratigan’s computer but did not notify police or state child abuse authorities. Under Missouri law, clergy must report any suspected child abuse. To reach Mark Morris, call 816-234-4314 or send email to mmorris@kcstar.com To reach Glenn E. Rice. Call 816-234-4341 or send email to grice@kcstar.com
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