Milwaukee Archdiocese priest on leave for alleged relationship with layman
Milwaukee Archdiocese priest on leave for alleged relationship with layman
(OSV News) — The Archdiocese of Milwaukee has put its judicial vicar, who was the pastor of two parishes, on administrative leave following media reports that surfaced indicating he has been cohabiting with a man in what appears to be a romantic relationship.
In a statement released on Dec. 1 to OSV News, the archdiocesan vicar for clergy announced that Father Mark Payne has been “put on administrative leave from his positions as Judicial Vicar and as pastor” of St. Monica Parish in Whitefish Bay and St. Eugene Parish in Fox Point, “effective immediately.”
Furthermore, Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki “is also commencing an official canonical inquiry into the matter,” stated Father Nathan Reesman, archdiocesan vicar for clergy, in the announcement.
The action follows a report from Nov. 30 in the Catholic media source The Pillar reported that Father Payne has been residing in a condominium with an unidentified layperson since 2003, whom he employed last year to instruct at St. Monica Parish School.
The individual — who was presented following a Christmas Mass as Father Payne’s “close associate,” reported The Pillar — stepped down in April to “devote additional time to supporting his family,” Father Payne was cited as stating.
As reported by The Pillar, the individual had depicted his connection with Father Payne as “a romantic couple,” sharing social media photos of them on holidays and during LGBTQ pride celebrations. The Pillar noted that it was informed by unidentified archdiocesan clergy that “they knew that Payne had frequently cohabited with a layperson” but had never met him.
The Pillar also stated that the Archdiocese of Milwaukee acknowledged it had verbally cautioned Father Payne regarding his “lifestyle” but, as of Nov. 30, had no intention of initiating a canonical inquiry.
Complete inquiry in progress
Without referencing The Pillar, Father Reesman’s remarks recognized the article, stating that “the piece brought up concerns regarding Father Mark’s commitment to his vows as a priest, as well as the Archdiocese’s reaction to our awareness of the circumstances.”
Father Reesman mentioned in his statement that “the Archdiocese became aware of the issues highlighted in the news article, and we provided Father Payne with all the details that had been conveyed to us.”
In that notification, “Father was informed that his recruitment of the elementary school teacher was unsuitable,” noted Father Reesman.
“Father Payne assured us that he remains true to his priestly commitments and that the details created a distorted view of the circumstances,” the statement went on. “We provided him the chance to clarify any potential misconceptions prior to moving forward with the process of launching a formal inquiry.”
Nevertheless, “due to the exposure surrounding the news article, we have now chosen to expedite our schedule and initiate a more comprehensive investigative process,” Father Reesman stated.
The official inquiry “will be carried out by a specialist from a different diocese to guarantee the highest level of impartiality,” he stated.
As stated, an acting judicial vicar and a parish administrator will be designated during Father Payne’s leave and ongoing investigation.
“All these measures are essential to achieve the most equitable and precise evaluation of the circumstances for everyone concerned,” the statement finished. “Kindly keep in your thoughts the upcoming actions regarding this matter, for Father Payne, for his parish communities, and for all those affected by this news.”
As of the evening of December 1, Father Payne continued to be listed as the pastor on the website of St. Monica and St. Eugene parishes.
OSV News is pending a reply to a request for a statement from Father Payne.
