Topeka priest suspended after allegation of sexual abuse

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – The Catholic archdiocese for northeast Kansas says the pastor of a parish in Topeka has been suspended from his public duties after being accused of sexually abusing a minor.

The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas said Monday that the Rev. John Pilcher of Mater Dei parish denies the allegation and is fully cooperating.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that Pilcher will remain on leave during the investigation and until an independent review board makes a recommendation to Archbishop Joseph Naumann.

The archdiocese also said that law enforcement was notified. The parish includes two churches. One is across the street north of the Statehouse and the other is in central Topeka.