Embattled Baniewicz restricted by Archdiocese
06/17/2025

Phil Baniewicz, former MHMA president, placed on leave in new role. Submitted file photo.

(KAIR)--The suspended President of Kansas City-area Bishop Miege and former, longtime President of Atchison's Maur Hill-Mount Academy, both Catholic high schools, is now "restricted from all active ministry in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas due to an allegation of inappropriate behavior with a minor."

That word regarding the status of Phil Baniewicz came Tuesday in a statement released by the Archdiocese, which explained the "restrictions are based on previously unknown information, which has not been released in public media, provided to the archdiocese after the June 6 announcement that [Baniewicz] was placed on administrative leave at Bishop Miege High School," with the statement adding that the "information has been reported to civil authorities."

The release calls the steps taken in regard to Baniewicz "precautionary measures" and "are no indication of guilt or wrongdoing."

The restrictions placed on Baniewicz include him being "prohibited from engaging in youth ministry and volunteer work in any Catholic parish, school, institution or event in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, as is to refrain from representing the Church in any official, volunteer, ministerial, or leadership role."

Additionally, the release says "Baniewicz has signed an archdiocesan safety plan which states he agrees not to contact anyone known to have made an accusation of abuse or misconduct against him, or who may be a witness known to him."

Baniewicz, the subject of past abuse allegations, was placed on administrative leave from Bishop Miege June 6 after parents of students at the school voiced concerns based on those allegations which include a 2005 civil lawsuit accusing him of teen sexual abuse in Arizona during the 1980s. The lawsuit was settled, and Baniewicz has never faced any legal charges in connection with the allegations.

Baniewicz served as President of Maur Hill-Mount Academy from 2010 until beginning his role as Bishop Miege President in late 2023.

Baniewicz remains on administrative leave as President of Bishop Miege pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation.


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