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| Statement from the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas
June 15, 2013
http://www.archkck.org/statement
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann has announced that he has accepted the resignation of Reverend William Bruning, Pastor of Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe, Kansas.
On June 8th, the Archdiocese received an allegation that Father Bruning had engaged in behaviors in violation of his promise of celibate chastity. The allegation about Father Bruning did not involve any contact with minors, nor did it involve any individual from Prince of Peace Parish or any of the parishes where Father Bruning has previously served. In order to respect the confidentiality of the person who brought forth the allegation, details concerning the alleged behaviors will not be disclosed at this time.
When informed of the allegation, Father Bruning immediately acknowledged its truth, accepted the gravity of this matter, and asked for help in identifying and addressing the root causes for this serious moral failure. He expressed profound regret and sincere sorrow for the pain his actions have now caused the many people who love and respect him and in particular for the parishioners of Prince of Peace Parish, as well as the people from the other parishes in which he has served. The Archbishop has prohibited Father Bruning from exercising his priestly ministry at this time.
Father Bruning left Kansas City earlier this week to undergo an evaluation and to begin a treatment program to help him address the spiritual and psychological causes for this moral failure. The Lord has used Father Bruning’s priestly ministry to bring God’s grace to many people. Sometimes in their zeal to minister to others, priests can neglect to care properly for their own soul. The Archbishop has asked the Faithful of the Archdiocese to pray for Father Bruning as he enters into a time of prayer, penance, spiritual counseling and therapy.
Father Bruning was ordained in 1993 and has served in parishes in Johnson County, Marshal County and in Topeka, Kansas. He has served as pastor at Prince of Peace since July 2012. Archbishop Naumann has appointed Father Gary Pennings, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia, to serve as Parochial Administrator for Prince of Peace Parish. Father Pennings will shepherd the parish until such time that a new pastor is appointed.
The Archbishop encourages anyone who might have information about misconduct by any priest, deacon or employee of the Archdiocese to contact the Vicar for Clergy, Father Brian Schieber, at 785-272-5590, or the Archdiocesan Safe Environment Coordinator, Father John Riley, at 913-647-0324. Any callers will be treated with respect and their concerns will be taken seriously.
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