The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas has suspended a priest of the Priestly Fraternity of St Peter (FSSP) from public ministry following an allegation of sexual misconduct involving a minor dating back more than 20 years.

Fr Eric Flood, FSSP, is the subject of an allegation reported to the Archdiocese of Omaha concerning alleged misconduct more than two decades ago, the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas said in a July 14 statement.

The allegation has also been reported to law enforcement. Fr Flood is “cooperating fully” with the investigation and “adamantly denies” the allegation, the archdiocese said.

“Consistent with the Archdiocese’s commitment to the protection of children and persons in vulnerable situations, and pending the outcome of investigations by civil authorities and the Archdiocese of Omaha, Fr Flood has been temporarily withdrawn from the public exercise of priestly ministry, including celebrating Mass and other public ministerial duties,” the archdiocese said.

Fr Flood is currently chaplain of the St John Mary Vianney Latin Mass Community in Maple Hill, Kansas.

The temporary withdrawal from public ministry is “intended to protect all parties, including Father Flood, and should not be interpreted as a determination regarding the allegation”, the archdiocese said.

During the investigation, Fr Flood has moved out of Kansas, according to the archdiocese.

“We recognize the serious nature of any safe environment concern and remain committed to transparency, justice and respecting the privacy and dignity of all individuals involved as this matter is carefully reviewed,” the statement said.

The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas asked for prayers for “everyone affected by this situation” and urged the faithful to “refrain from rumor and speculation and instead entrust this matter to prayer and the proper processes of law enforcement and the Church”.

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