Salina Post
The Catholic Diocese of Salina has released a statement after a priest was arrested for child sex crimes by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI).
On July 22 at approximately 5:05 p.m., Father Ryan A. McCandless, 44, of Wichita, was arrested on an arrest warrant for three counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, according to a media release from the KBI.
Read more: Priest of the Diocese of Salina accused of child sex crimes
Below is the official statement from the Diocese:
Fr. Ryan McCandless has been charged with allegations of sexual abuse of a minor. We are extremely sorry for any pain and suffering that has taken place for any victim of sexual abuse. In accordance with diocesan policy and the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, these allegations were reported to both civil and ecclesiastical authorities. The Diocese of Salina is fully cooperating with the investigation being conducted by the Republic County Sheriff's Department and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.
Fr. McCandless was immediately removed from all public priestly ministry upon notice of the allegation. He was not permitted to celebrate Mass, perform sacraments, or engage in any pastoral duties while the matter was under investigation. He will remain removed from ministry unless and until he is fully cleared of the allegations by all the appropriate civil, legal, and ecclesiastical authorities. Out of respect for the legal process and the individuals involved, we are unable to provide further details at this time.
At the time of his removal, Fr. McCandless was serving as pastor of:
• St. Edward Parish (Belleville)
• St. George Parish (Munden)
• St. Isidore Parish (Cuba)
He has previously served in the following assignments:
• Immaculate Heart of Mary, Hays
• St. Joseph Parish, Hays
• Seven Dolors Parish, Manhattan
• St. Isidore Catholic Student Center, Manhattan
• St. Theresa Parish, Mankato
• Sacred Heart Parish, Esbon
• Comeau Campus Center, Hays
• Thomas More Prep-Marian, Hays
• Manhattan Catholic Schools, Manhattan
The Diocese remains steadfast in its commitment to the protection of children, the safety of our communities, and the pastoral care of survivors. We are devastated for all involved and ask for your prayers during this difficult time.
If you have any information that may be helpful to law enforcement, please contact the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-572-7463.
If you observe suspected child abuse of a minor by clergy or other church or school personnel and the child is in immediate danger, call 911.
To make a confidential report to the Diocese, contact our Victim Assistance Coordinator at 866-752-8855 or reportabuse@salinadiocese.org. You will hear a brief recorded message before leaving a voicemail. The Victim Assistance Coordinator will return your call as soon as possible.
We ask for your continued prayers for all those impacted