Salina Priest Pleads No Contest to Battery

Salina Journal
August 13, 2012

http://www.salina.com/news/story/priest8-13-12

A Salina priest who was scheduled for trial this week on a misdemeanor charge of sexual battery pleaded no contest Friday to a lesser charge of misdemeanor battery, according to a statement on the Catholic Diocese of Salina’s website.

The Rev. Allen K. Scheer was scheduled for trial Wednesday in Saline County District Court.

Scheer, a priest at Sacred Heart Cathedral, was accused of inappropriately touching an adult male "with the intent to arouse or satisfy sexual desires" on April 12 in the man’s central Salina residence, according to court records.

"It grieves me to learn that Father Scheer may have undertaken an activity that was illegal as well as inconsistent with our faith," wrote Bishop Edward Weisenburger, in a statement on the website. "However, I appreciate his acceptance of responsibility."

Weisenburger wrote that it is his hope that the church can be a source of healing for anyone who might have been harmed by the incident.

"Father Scheer will be provided emotional and spiritual assistance," Weisenburger wrote. "Father Scheer’s possible return to ministry will be determined in time following evaluation by health care professionals and Diocesan leadership."

Weisenburger said it is "significant to recall that our church found its origins among men who each, in his own way, betrayed the Lord."

"And yet, with repentance and God’s grace, we sinners continue to be made into saints," Weisenburger wrote. "In that spirit I ask the prayers of all that this act of justice may be balanced with forgiveness, healing, and renewal."