KANSAS CITY, KANSAS — Based on the recommendation of the Independent Review Board of the Archdiocese after an independent investigation into the allegations regarding Mr. Phil Baniewicz, former president of Bishop Miege High School (Miege), concerning his ability to oversee a safe environment for minors and vulnerable adults, Archbishop Shawn McKnight has determined that Mr. Baniewicz is not suitable for ecclesiastical employment, appointment, volunteer service, or ministry involving minors or other vulnerable persons within the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.
“The protection of minors and persons in vulnerable situations is fundamental to the mission of our church,” Archbishop Shawn McKnight said. “As believers and followers of Jesus Christ, we have a sacred responsibility to safeguard the innate human dignity of every person and to hold one another, especially those who exercise authority and power in the Church, to the high moral standards of our faith.”
The Archbishop’s decision is based upon an independent investigation and the canonical assessment made after the investigation concluded, and was promulgated via a formal canonical, or church, decree signed August 13, 2026.
On June 5, 2025, the Miege board of trustees placed Mr. Baniewicz on administrative leave due to concerns about his inability to oversee a safe environment. Simultaneously, Archbishop McKnight announced a thorough investigation into the matter.
On June 17, 2025, Mr. Baniewicz was restricted from all active ministry in the archdiocese and put on a safety plan due to a newly revealed allegation of inappropriate behavior with a minor.
On Aug. 6, 2025, the Miege board of trustees determined new leadership was in the best interest of the Miege community, and Mr. Baniewicz’s employment with Miege ended.
The independent investigation was led by a professional investigation firm that conducted a comprehensive process that included 68 interviews, review and analysis of extensive records and reports, and consultation with authorities from multiple jurisdictions. The process was initiated by the Archdiocese, which through outside legal counsel retained an independent investigation firm and also engaged the services of the Child Protection Center, an independent agency in Kansas City dedicated to providing forensic interviews for alleged victims of abuse or violence as minors. The Archdiocese cooperated with local law enforcement and the Kansas Department for Children and Families throughout the investigation.
The investigation examined 16 distinct allegations against Mr. Baniewicz spanning from approximately 1985 to 2025. It included a review of reports regarding his work as a youth minister in Mesa, Arizona, from 1985 to 1993; a senior officer of Life Teen, Inc, from 1993 to 2006; president of Maur Hill Mount Academy in Kansas from 2010 to 2023; and president of Miege from 2023 to 2025.
Mr. Baniewicz was given multiple opportunities to address the allegations. He was interviewed and submitted a written statement.
The investigation included interviews with the complainants, most of whom did not have an apparent connection to one another. The interviews exhibited a substantial degree of consistency regarding Mr. Baniewicz’s behavior.
The investigation disclosed serious concerns regarding Mr. Baniewicz’s conduct and determined a consistent pattern of imprudent professional conduct, repeated failures to maintain appropriate ministerial and professional boundaries with minors, deficient safeguarding practices, and conduct incompatible with the standards expected of those entrusted with ecclesiastical service involving children and vulnerable people.
To date, no criminal charges have been filed against Mr. Baniewicz. While the investigation did not establish the level of certainty required by Church law to initiate a canonical disciplinary process, it revealed a persistent and deeply concerning pattern of conduct that reached the level at which administrative action must be taken.
Therefore, exercising his responsibility to safeguard the faithful and provide for the good of the Church, Archbishop McKnight has decreed that Mr. Baniewicz is unsuitable for ecclesiastical employment, appointment, volunteer service, or ministry involving minors or vulnerable persons within the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, and his current safety plan will remain in place.
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.
For all media inquiries, please contact the Office of Communications at communications@archkck.org.