MN priest under investigation after allegations of 'inappropriate conduct'

FILE: Cathedral of St. Paul

The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis has temporarily removed a priest from ministry after allegations of inappropriate conduct.

According to a statement from Archbishop Bernard Hebda, the Archdiocese's Office of Ministerial Standards and Safe Environment received a report from an adult alleging inappropriate conduct by Father Thomas Joseph. Father Joseph is the Parochial Administrator of the Church of St. Nicholas in Carver, Minn.

Upon learning the allegations, Archdiocese officials contacted police and temporarily removed Father Joseph from ministry in light of the investigation.

Father Joseph provided the following statement:

"I wish to express my surprise and dismay at these allegations. It is paramount that we as Catholics come together in God’s Light to seek the truth. I believe in our system of justice and I understand the need to fully investigate any accusations. While I am prepared to cooperate with this investigation to clear my good name and the name of the Church, I wish to emphasize my innocence. I ask all of you to pray for me and be assured of my prayers for you."