(KC Star) A Missouri man filed a lawsuit today against Conception Abbey in northwest Missouri, alleging a coverup of sexual abuse by a former monk who directed its boys’ choir in the late-1980s. The lawsuit, filed in Nodaway County Circuit Court, claims that Bede Parry, then a Benedictine monk, molested the plaintiff in 1987 during a summer camp at the abbey. At the time, Parry led the Abbey Boy Choir of Conception Abbey.
Archive for Sexual Abuse
Conception, Missouri Abbey Faces Lawsuit
Parry, who was ordained in 1983, was then assigned to Conception Abbey where he was in charge of the choir program. In 1987, when the minor Plaintiff attended a residential choir camp at the Abbey, he was sexually abused by the priest. When the child’s parents brought the assault to the attention of Abbot Hanus, they were told that Father Parry had a “mental breakdown” and he would be treated for the breakdown.
May 16, 2011 Letter to Abbot Polan
During a phone conversation on May 12, 2011, you advised me that, on advice of the abbey’s legal counsel, you made a decision to not send such a letter. This decision is selfish, shortsighted and far from compassionate. I respectfully request that you reconsider.
Allegations of Abuse
If you have information regarding sexual misconduct at Conception Abbey, a Benedictine monastery near St. Joseph, Missouri, please contact us.
Church Abuse Cases Spark New Classes for Conception Abbey
The abbey says three precautions are now in place to guard against future abuse. Two of the precautions have already been implemented. The first is preliminary screenings for potential seminarians.