KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — The bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Dodge City will resume his duties after an investigation into sexual abuse allegations. Bishop John Brungardt voluntarily stepped down after the allegation was lodged last year.
The Kansas City Star reports that Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann said Wednesday the Kansas Bureau of Investigation investigated the allegations and prosecutors chose not to file charges.
He says church authorities also investigated and determined the evidence did not support the allegations. An allegation of sexual abuse of a minor was filed against Brungardt in February 2021. Naumann said Brungardt consistently denied the allegations and cooperated with the investigations.
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FORD COUNTY – The Diocese of Dodge City announced on February 8th that Bishop John Brungardt has been accused of sexual abuse of a minor, according to a media release from the Diocese of Salina.
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is conducting the investigation. Bishop Brungardt denies the allegation.
Bishop Brungardt has willingly asked to be placed on a leave of absence during the investigation.
The Congregation for Bishops has appointed Most Reverend Gerald L. Vincke the temporary Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Dodge City, effective immediately.
Bishop Vincke remains as the Bishop of Salina in addition to his role as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Dodge City.
Chancery officials answered the following questions about Bishop Brungardt’s absence:
Q. What kind of authority does an apostolic administrator have?
A. An apostolic administrator is equivalent in canon law to the diocesan bishop and has, essentially, the same authority as a diocesan bishop.
Q. How long will Bishop Brungardt be on leave?
A. The length of leave will be determined by the results of the investigation, along with the decision of the Holy Father.
Q. Is the see of the Diocese of Dodge City currently vacant?
A. Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Vincke apostolic administrator sede plena, meaning that the see is still full. Bishop Brungardt remains the Bishop of Dodge City.
Q. How do I reach Bishop Vincke with any questions or concerns?
A. To contact Bishop Vincke regarding matters related to the Diocese of Dodge City, please send correspondence through U.S. Mail to:
Bishop Jerry Vincke
Apostolic Administrator of Diocese of Dodge City
103 N. Ninth
Salina, KS 67401
For daily administrative inquiries, please contact Rev. Ted Stoecklein, vicar general, or Sr. Janice Grochowsky, chancellor. For matters related to the Diocese of Dodge City, please send to the Chancery of the Diocese of Dodge City.