On Oct. 11, 2018, Rev. Mark Inglot submitted his resignation as pastor of Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish and Saint John Student Center, East Lansing. He asked Bishop Earl Boyea for permission to extend his leave of absence from public ministry in order to continue with therapy.
On Sept. 11, 2018, the Diocese of Lansing announced that Father Inglot was placed on administrative leave from the parish due to a credible claim of sexual harassment made by an adult co-worker. Bishop Boyea began an immediate investigation into the allegation.
The Diocese of Lansing is committed to maintaining a workplace that is free of harassment of any kind, including sexual harassment. Credible claims of violations of our harassment policies or our Code of Conduct will be met with immediate action that may include disciplinary actions up to and including termination.
If you, or anyone you know has been harmed by anyone representing the Church, contact appropriate law enforcement. You may also contact the Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator, Cheryl Williams-Hecksel, LMSW, by phone at 888-308-6252, or via e-mail to: vac@dioceseoflansing.org
If you have experienced harassment or abuse as a church employee, you may contact the third-party reporting service, Lighthouse by calling the hotline at 844-446-0009.
You may also contact the diocesan Director of Human Resources, Lisa Kutas at 517-342-2511, or via e-mail to: lkutas@dioceseoflansing.org .
Until a new pastor is appointed, Rev Gary Koenigsknecht remains the temporary administrator of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish.
Please pray for all involved.