INDIANAPOLIS--The Archdiocese of Indianapolis has suspended one of its priests over a report that the priest had sexually abused someone when that person was a child several decades ago.
Father John Maung, 79, was suspended immediately. Maung denies the claim.
He is prohibited from all public ministry while the police look into the claim. Maung retired in 2009 but continued to help with sacramental needs at parishes in the Archdiocese.
Here is the full statement from Archbishop Charles Thompson of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis:
Fr. John Maung, a priest for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, has been suspended after an individual made a report to the Archdiocese that they were abused as a child several decades ago by Fr. Maung. The Archdiocese immediately made a report to civil authorities and the Archdiocesan Review Board.
Fr. Maung has denied the claim.
Fr. Maung served in the following parishes: St. Lawrence, Indianapolis; St. Gabriel, Connersville and St. Joseph, Shelbyville. He also resided at Holy Spirit Parish in Indianapolis. Following his retirement in 2009, Fr. Maung continued to help with sacramental needs at parishes in the Archdiocese.
Fr. Maung is prohibited from all public ministry while an investigation is pending.
If you are a victim of sexual misconduct by a person ministering on behalf of the Church, or if you know of anyone who has been a victim of such misconduct, please contact civil authorities and the Archdiocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator Carla Hill.
Earlier Wednesday, the Diocese of Gary released the names of ten former priests who were deemed guilty of sex abuse against children. That stemmed from the grand jury report released a few weeks ago which detailed accusations of a massive cover-up within archdioceses in Pennsylvania.
Seven of those former priests are dead and the other three have already been removed from public ministry.
Thompson said there can be no further cover-up. He says everyone, including bishops, must be held accountable.
(PHOTO: Archdiocese of Indianapolis)
