© 2024 MICHIGAN PUBLIC
91.7 Ann Arbor/Detroit 104.1 Grand Rapids 91.3 Port Huron 89.7 Lansing 91.1 Flint
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Marquette priest on administrative leave after sexual misconduct complaint

Christian Cross
Waiting For The Word / Flickr CC /

A Catholic priest in the Marquette diocese is on administrative leave after a recent allegation of sexual misconduct.

The diocese says Father Frank M. Lenz has been removed from public ministry as a precautionary measure while the allegation is investigated. The diocese says the complaint was reported to the Marquette County Prosecutor’s office, which did not immediately return a request for comment.

A diocese press release calls the allegation a "credible complaint" alleging sexual misconduct by Lenz with a minor dating back to the 1970s. Lenz denies the allegation.

Lenz has been removed from public ministry and is prohibited from "presenting himself as a priest" according to the same press release. 

A spokesperson for the diocese said he did not have any further details about the complaint.

The diocese says it has “extended an offer of pastoral care to the person bringing the allegation.”

Diocese of Marquette Bishop John Doerfler apologized in a statement to “all victims of clergy abuse.”

The rotary club of Marquette has Lenz listed as its president on its website. 

Tyler Scott is the weekend afternoon host at Michigan Public, though you can often hear him filling in at other times during the week. Tyler started in radio at age 18, as a board operator at WMLM 1520AM in Alma, Michigan, where he later became host of The Morning Show.
Related Content