Priest Stripped Of Duties At Chicago Church

CHICAGO (AP) -- The pastor of a Chicago Roman Catholic Church has been stripped of his religious duties after an investigation by a religious order.

The Chicago Tribune reports a letter from the Congregation of the Resurrection was distributed Sunday to members of St. John Cantius Catholic Parish announced the removal of the Rev. Frank C. Phillips.

The letter informed churchgoers the order's review board looked into allegations of improper conduct involving adult men made against Phillips, who was removed as St. John Cantius' pastor in March.

Phillips' attorney Steve Komie told the Tribune the review board determined Phillips hadn't violated any civil, canon or criminal law.

Archdiocese of Chicago spokeswoman Paula Waters said although no church or secular law was violated by Phillips, there were standards of behavior Phillips did not meet. She noted the review board did not recommend Phillips' return to St. John Cantius.

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