Phoenix, Ariz., Feb 17, 2010 / 16:25 pm
A recent ruling from Pope Benedict XVI, which was confirmed by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF), dismissed one of Life Teen’s founders from his clerical state following an investigation into charges of sexual abuse of minors.
Msgr. Dale Fushek had been a pastor at an Arizona parish as well as vicar general of the Diocese of Phoenix.
However, Fushek came under scrutiny after several accusations of sexual abuse against minors were lodged with the diocese, which were then forwarded to the Holy See.
According to a Feb. 16 statement from the diocese, “The Holy See then directed the Diocese of Phoenix to conduct an investigation into the allegations. The results of that investigation were forwarded to the CDF. Based on the CDF’s review of the findings of that investigation and on Fushek’s abandonment of his ministry and his subsequent schismatic acts, the CDF issued the 'Decree of Dismissal' and forwarded it to the Diocese of Phoenix.