KANSAS CITY, KANSAS — With deep sorrow for the suffering of victims and survivors of abuse, the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas has received an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor against Father Denis Pickert. Before his death in 1994, Father Pickert served in several parishes in the archdiocese, including St. Joseph Parish in Kansas City (now All Saints Parish), Sacred Heart-St. Joseph Parish in Topeka (formerly St. Joseph Parish), The Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, St. Joseph Parish in Everest (now St. Ann Parish in Hiawatha and St. Leo’s Parish in Horton), St. Peter’s Parish in Mercier (now St. Leo’s in Horton), Holy Family and St. Bridget Parishes in Summerfield (now Holy Family Parish in Summerfield), St. Michael Parish in Axtell, Holy Angels in Garnett, Christ the King Parish in Kansas City, Holy Trinity Parish in Paola, and St. John the Baptist Parish in Greeley.
Based on several factors, including input from the Independent Review Board, Archbishop Shawn McKnight deems the reported allegation to have credibility, but to facilitate a complete and fair investigation, the Archdiocese seeks information from those who might have knowledge about this situation. Archbishop McKnight would like to encourage anyone who may have been harmed by Fr. Pickert to come forward. The announcement of this ongoing investigation should not be understood as a determination of guilt. Anyone with information regarding misconduct by any church volunteer, employee, religious or clergy member — regardless of when it occurred — is encouraged to contact civil authorities first and then call or text the Archdiocese’s confidential report line at 913-276-8703 or report online at www.archkck.org/reportabuse.
The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas takes all allegations of misconduct by church personnel very seriously and works to respond to survivors’ needs with urgency, respect, and compassion.