Notice of Credible Allegation of Abuse
Bishop Johnston and diocesan leaders recognize how difficult it can be for a survivor of clergy sexual abuse to come forward and appreciate the great courage it takes in making a report to the Church.
The diocese has received and deemed credible an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor by Father Alan Hartway, CPPS. Fr. Hartway was ordained in 1976 for the Society of the Precious Blood. This allegation was deemed credible following the diocesan Policy for Response to Allegations, by the Ombudsman, Independent Review Board and Bishop Johnston. The abuse occurred when Hartway was assigned as Associate Pastor to St. James Parish in Liberty, MO. Fr. Hartway moved to become Pastor of St. Mary Parish in Garden City, KS, and after working various teaching assignments throughout the Midwest, he served as Parochial Vicar for Guardian Angels Parish in Mead, CO. This communication is being shared with the dioceses of the parish communities where he served.
Fr. Hartway’s name has been added to the diocese’s List of Accused Clerics with Substantiated Allegations, which can be found on the diocesan website here. Fr. Hartway was removed from ministry in the Archdiocese of Denver on November 27, 2019 pending the outcome of the investigation. He is 71 years old and has since retired. The Precious Blood community has also restricted his exercise of priestly ministry.
The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph takes very seriously any allegations of sexual abuse made against employees, clerics or volunteers who serve in the diocese. Anyone who has knowledge of such abuse or inappropriate behavior is encouraged to make a confidential report with the Ombudsman. If you were harmed by Fr. Hartway or any other person who has worked or volunteered for the diocese, no matter how long ago, the diocese wants to provide care and healing resources to you and your family. Please contact the Ombudsman, Joe Crayon, at 816.812.2500 or crayon@ombudsmankcsj.org.
Report suspicions of abuse:
- Call the Missouri Child Abuse Hotline at 1.800.392.3738 (if the victim is currently under the age of 18), and
- Contact your local law enforcement agency or call 911, and
- After reporting to these civil and law enforcement authorities, report suspected sexual abuse of a minor or vulnerable adult to the Diocesan Ombudsman, Joe Crayon, at 816.812.2500 or crayon@ombudsmankcsj.org, if the abuse involves a priest, deacon, employee or volunteer of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.
The Diocese has a sincere commitment to providing care and healing resources to victims of sexual abuse and their families. Please contact the Victim Advocate, Kathleen Chastain, at 816.392.0011 or chastain@diocesekcsj.org for more information.
