STATEMENT OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF ST. LOUIS REGARDING FATHER ROBERT MANNING

The Archdiocese of St. Louis has been made aware of a complaint of sexual abuse of a minor involving Fr. Robert Manning, a priest of the Archdiocese who was, at the time of the alleged incident, serving as a priest in the Diocese of Colorado Springs. This is the only allegation of abuse involving Fr. Manning during his years of service as a priest, the last five of which have been in the Diocese of Colorado Springs. While the police are investigating this allegation, Fr. Manning has been placed on administrative leave. He is residing in a monitored environment and will not be permitted to exercise any form of public ministry.

The Archdiocese encourages anyone who has been harmed by a member of the clergy to contact Phil Hengen, the Director of the Office Child and Youth Protection of the Archdiocese of St. Louis, at 314- 792-7704 or the civil authorities.