INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – A priest for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis was suspended Wednesday due to allegations of sexual misconduct.
In a press release, the church said the report was made against Fr. Patrick Doyle, 68, on Tuesday and it allegedly happened several decades ago.
The Archdiocese says the report was received by the archdiocese’s victim assistance coordinator and officials immediately made a report to civil authorities and notified the Archdiocesan Review Board of the allegation.
“I don’t think they gave all of the facts, which hurts him,” said Michelle Richardson, who said she has attended Doyle’s church for more than a decade, “we do know most of the facts.”
Fr. Doyle has had numerous ministry assignments stretching from 1975 to present day. In addition to being the pastor for Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ on the city’s southeast side, Doyle is listed as the pastor of Nativity Catholic School, which is located next to the church. Click here for a list of his assignments. While the investigation is pending, he will be prohibited from all public ministry.
“He is such a wonderful man, an amazing man, and our parish completely supports him,” said Richardson.
This is the second local priest to be accused of sexual misconduct within a week. Last Wednesday, Father John Maung, 79, was suspended by the Archdiocese following allegations that he sexually abused a child. However, unlike the allegations against Maung, nowhere in the allegations against Doyle is there any reference to involvement with a minor.
Like Fr. Doyle, Fr. Maung is prohibited from all public ministry during the investigation. While he retired in 2009, the archdiocese said he continued to serve sacraments at parishes within the archdiocese. Maung reportedly served in Indianapolis, Connersville, Shelbyville and Indianapolis.
If you’re a victim of sexual misconduct by a person ministering on behalf of the church or if you know anyone who has, you’re asked to contact Archdiocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator Carla Hill at 317-236-1548 or 800-382-9836. You can also contact Ethics Point at www.archdioceseofindianapolis.ethicspoint.com or 888-393-6810.
