MSC News

MSC News National Headlines Sports Top Headlines CBS US News CBS Technology

Printer Friendly

Email to a Friend

College chaplain removed for inappropriate conduct

By Brian Hagen

05/17/2021

Father Simon Baker (Credit: Saint Benedict's Abbey)

(KAIR)--The chaplain of Benedictine College has been removed from ministry.

That follows Father Simon Baker’s disclosure to Saint Benedict’s Abbey leadership that he had engaged in what the Abbey calls “inappropriate conduct with an adult, female student at the college."

Following the disclosure, an internal review board determined the priest “displayed inappropriate affection and favoritism” toward the student, with the board recommending “that certain boundaries be placed on Father Simon, and that counseling and support be offered” to the student.

However, the Abbey says Father Simon was removed from his ministry because it was learned he was not complying with the boundaries that had been set.

According to the Abbey, additional reports have now been received that Father Simon “crossed physical and emotional boundaries in pastoral relationships with other adult women.” None of the reports involve minors or other criminal allegations.

A third-party investigation has been launched, and the priest is not allowed on the college campus pending the outcome.

Now, the college and the Abbey are asking that anyone who has information pertinent to the investigation, or who have been affected, to contact the victim’s advocate at 913-426-5769.

You will need to be logged in to leave a comment.

Please Login

The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks is prohibited.

Click here to review our Terms of Use.