Statement Regarding the Resignation of Father Richard Storey

On Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, Father Richard Storey advised the Archdiocese of his decision to resign as the pastor of Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood.

The Prairie Village Police Department has informed the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas of a criminal investigation involving Father Storey concerning another adult. The Archdiocese is fully cooperating with authorities so they can investigate the serious allegations being made against Father Storey.

In addition, Archbishop McKnight has initiated a preliminary canonical investigation.

Due to Father Storey’s decision to resign, and in compliance with archdiocesan policy, he has been temporarily suspended from the public exercise of priestly ministry. He is not allowed to function publicly as a priest during this time, which includes celebrating Mass and performing pastoral duties. He is presumed innocent until the investigations are concluded.

As is normative for such a process, the diocese will not provide any further information on the matter during the investigation.

Father John Riley, vicar general of the archdiocese, has been appointed as temporary administrator of the parish.

We are devastated by this situation. While we cooperate with law enforcement and engage in our own efforts to understand the circumstances and to determine next steps for the community, we also ask for prayers for all affected.

If you have any information you believe the police should know, please contact the Prairie Village Police Department at 913-642-6868.

Our archdiocese takes all allegations of abuse and misconduct by church personnel very seriously and works to respond to survivors’ needs with urgency, respect, and compassion. We encourage anyone with knowledge about any misconduct by a church volunteer, employee, religious or clergy member — regardless of when it may have occurred — to contact civil authorities first, and then call or text the archdiocese’s confidential report line at 913-276-8703 or online at www.archkck.org/reportabuse.

To learn more about our archdiocesan safe environment policies and procedures, click here. 

Media and Public Inquiries:
For general questions or inquiries related to the investigation, please contact the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas Office of Communications at communications@archkck.org. Anyone with questions or concerns about safe environment should contact our Office for Protection, as stated above.