Priest Suspended Following Sexual Abuse Allegations

Webster Kirkwood Times
October 24, 2014

http://www.websterkirkwoodtimes.com/Articles-Webster-Groves-i-2014-10-24-193604.114137-Priest-Suspended-Following-Sexual-Abuse-Allegations.html#axzz3H3SDDEYJ

Rev. John J. Ghio, who most recently served at Annunciation Catholic Parish in Webster Groves, has been suspended by the Archdiocese of St. Louis following allegations of sexual abuse.

Archbishop Robert J. Carlson announced Ghio's suspension this week in a letter to archdiocesan parishes. The abuse was alleged to have occurred in the early 1980s.

Ghio is currently retired from active ministry and resides in a monitored environment, according to the archdiocese. He joined Annunciation Parish as priest in residence in June 2011, and had previously spent time at other St. Louis area parishes.

"I have suspended Father Ghio's priestly faculties until a canonical process is concluded," Carlson said in a statement.

Anyone who wishes to make a report of the sexual abuse of a minor by any priest, deacon or employee of the Archdiocese of St. Louis may contact Phil Hengen, director of child and youth protection, at 792-7704 or phengen@archstl.org.

Reports may also be made to the Missouri Division of Social Services Child Abuse Hotline, 1-800-392-3738, for allegations involving a person who is currently under the age of 18; or to civil authorities for allegations involving a person who is now an adult, but was abused as a minor.