LITTLE ROCK — The Rev. Emmanuel Orgu, a priest from Nigeria serving in the Catholic Diocese of Little Rock, has been removed from active ministry for alleged misconduct. The action was taken by Bishop Anthony B. Taylor and shared with parishioners during Masses this weekend.
Orgu had served as an associate pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Tontitown and St. Raphael Catholic Church in Springdale since 2007. He also had served as administrator of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Huntsville since June. Taylor ordered Orgu to return to his home diocese in Nigeria.
A letter to parishioners states that Orgu was allegedly involved in "misconduct with an adult female in the St. Joseph parish rectory." Taylor said no criminal charges are involved.
"But it is clear that Father Orgu has violated our trust in him, the consequence of which is his immediate removal from ministry in this diocese," Taylor wrote. He also urged parishioners with any other allegations of misconduct by Orgu to report them to the diocese.
Taylor said the diocese is committed to ensuring the safety of parishioners, as well as upholding the integrity of its ministers.
"Your priests and deacons know that any scandalous behavior - even with adults - will result in removal from ministry," Taylor wrote.
Orgu is the second priest to be removed from ministry in the diocese recently. The Rev. Bradley Barber was dismissed as priest at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fayetteville in August after a 24-yearold male parishioner accused him of sexual assault. Washington County prosecutors said there was not enough evidence to charge Barber.
The Rev. John Antony, who was assigned as temporary administrator of the Fayetteville parish last month, will take over as priest at St. Joseph next month.
Northwest Arkansas, Pages 12 on 09/22/2009