The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas has opened an investigation into a credible allegation of sexual abuse of a minor involving the Rev. Denis Pickert, a priest who died in 1994. The decades-old allegation is now putting a former Kansas City-area clergy figure back under scrutiny, while church officials emphasize that the inquiry is not a determination of guilt.
The archdiocese announced the investigation this week, saying Archbishop Shawn McKnight had determined the newly reported allegation to be credible based on several factors. The Leaven, the archdiocese's official newspaper, reported that officials are seeking information from anyone who may have knowledge of the allegation or may have been harmed by Pickert.
Pickert served at several parishes in the region, including Christ the King Parish and what is now All Saints Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, as well as the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas, Sacred Heart-St. Joseph Parish in Topeka and St. Michael Parish in Axtell, according to The Kansas City Star. He was 69 when he died.
The Archdiocese Wants Former Parishioners To Come Forward
The archdiocese said people with information should first contact civil authorities, then use its confidential report line at 913-276-8703 or submit a report online. The church has also urged anyone who experienced misconduct involving clergy, employees, volunteers or other church personnel to come forward, regardless of how long ago the alleged conduct occurred.
Because Pickert is deceased, the investigation will not involve a criminal case against him, but officials can still gather testimony, review records and determine whether the allegation should be substantiated under church procedures. The archdiocese has cautioned that its finding that an allegation is credible does not by itself establish that the alleged abuse occurred or determine Pickert's guilt.
New Investigation Comes After Other Kansas City-Area Cases
The Pickert inquiry arrives during a particularly active period for the archdiocese's handling of misconduct allegations. On July 2, the archdiocese announced that it had substantiated an allegation against former Bishop Miege High School teacher James Zimmer, who also taught at Rockhurst High School and died in 2000, according to the archdiocese's public allegation announcements.
The Kansas City-area church has also recently dealt with an investigation involving former Bishop Miege president Phil Baniewicz and a separate allegation that temporarily removed the Rev. Eric Flood from public ministry. For survivors and former parishioners, the latest announcement is another reminder that allegations from decades ago can still prompt official scrutiny, even after the accused has died.
McKnight has encouraged anyone who believes they were harmed by Pickert to contact the archdiocese. The investigation remains ongoing, and the church said it will continue seeking information before reaching any final conclusion.
