Catholic Priest Removed from Fenton Church Following Sexual Harassment Allegation

By Jason Lorenz
Channel 25 News
October 29, 2018

https://nbc25news.com/news/local/catholic-priest-removed-from-fenton-church-following-sexual-harassment-allegation

A Catholic priest accused of sexual harassment has been removed from a Fenton church by the Catholic Diocese of Lansing.

According to the diocese, Rev. Mathew Joseph was removed from his position as parochial vicar for St. John the Evangelist Parish in Fenton due to several complaints against him.

One of those complaints included what the diocese called a “credible allegation of sexual harassment of an adult female.”

Joseph is a priest with the Missionary Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament in Kerala, India.

Following the complaints, he was sent back to his order in India.

The Lansing diocese stated anyone who has been harmed by a member of the church should contact the police.

Victims were also encouraged to report through the law enforcement toll-free reporting hotline at (844) 324-3374 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or by email.

In cases of sexual abuse of a minor you may contact the diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator, Cheryl Williams-Hecksel, 888-308-6252 or via email.

The diocese also encouraged victims to contact their director of human resources, Lisa Kutas, at 517-342-2511, or via email.