Denver, Colo., Apr 13, 2010 / 11:12 am
Archbishop Charles Chaput removed a priest from active duty in the Archdiocese of Denver the day after an allegation was made that the priest was involved in sexual misconduct with a minor in the 1970s. The archbishop noted in his column for the archdiocesan paper that some parishioners are frustrated at the speed with which he relieved the priest, who maintains his innocence in the matter.
In a letter read at weekend Masses at the various parishes where the accused priest served, Archbishop Chaput wrote that on April 8, he “relieved” Fr. Mel Thompson from his priestly faculties and role in active ministry due to a complaint received on April 7.
The complaint alleged that the priest engaged in “sexual misconduct” with a minor in the early 1970s. Fr. Thompson has served as parochial vicar for St. Thomas More parish for the last nine years and prior to that was in Our Lady of Fatima, St. Vincent De Paul, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Good Shepherd (formerly St. John the Evangelist), St. Rose of Lima, and Christ the King parishes.
“In accord with our policies in this matter,” wrote Archbishop Chaput, “we have reported the allegation to civil authorities for investigation. We are also alerting other parishes where Father Thompson has previously served.”