Archbishop establishes ministry restrictions for Father Scott Kallal following Holy See directive

KANSAS CITY, KANSAS — The Holy See’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) has issued a penal precept for Father Scott Kallal. In implementing the DDF’s penal precept, and for the safety of the faithful, Archbishop Shawn McKnight has established restrictions governing Father Kallal’s ministry, consistent with the precept and within his authority as archbishop.

A penal precept is a formal, binding order under Church law that establishes specific requirements or prohibitions and applies a penalty for noncompliance. Under these restrictions, Father Kallal must abide by a safety plan and is prohibited from conduct with minors that could be reasonably understood as grooming, favoritism, inappropriate physical contact, or conduct that is likely to create scandal among the faithful. He will not be assigned to parish ministry or engage in ministry with minors or women. Father Kallal has been assigned to provide groundskeeping support.

Archbishop McKnight has appointed a delegate to ensure adherence to these restrictions and provide support to Father Kallal. Finally, Father Kallal will reside in a residence approved by the Archbishop.

All of these restrictions will remain in force until they are modified or revoked.

In July 2017, Father Kallal was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a minor. At the same time, he was temporarily removed from the exercise of public priestly ministry. The criminal trial ended with a hung jury and a mistrial, and the case has been dismissed. Because the Church holds its ministers to a higher standard and due to the seriousness of the complaints against Father Kallal, Archbishop Naumann presented the matter to the DDF.

While the DDF determined insufficient evidence of a crime, they did find I necessary to issue a penal precept, which was put into effect in October 2026.

“I recognize that this news may bring renewed pain and difficult uncertainties to those affected,” said Archbishop Shawn McKnight. “I have imposed additional restrictions to protect the vulnerable and establish clear boundaries for Fr. Kallal’s ministry. As the Chief Shepherd of this archdiocese, I am responsible for safeguarding those entrusted to our care, ensuring proper due process and helping our Church live out its calling as a sanctuary of mercy for all while upholding the highest standards of accountability and transparency.”

The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas takes all allegations of abuse and misconduct by church personnel very seriously and works to respond to survivors’ needs with urgency, respect, and compassion. We encourage anyone with knowledge about any misconduct by a church volunteer, employee, religious or clergy member — regardless of when the abuse may have occurred — to contact civil authorities first, and then call or text the Archdiocese’s confidential report line at 913-276-8703 or online at www.archkck.org/reportabuse.

About the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas

The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, under the pastoral leadership of Archbishop Shawn McKnight, encompasses 12,500 square miles in the northeast quarter of Kansas and serves more than 180,000 Catholics across 21 counties. The Archdiocese was established in 1850 as the Vicariate Apostolic of Indian Territory East of the Rocky Mountains. It became the Diocese of Leavenworth in 1877, was transferred to Kansas City in Kansas, in 1947, and was elevated to an Archdiocese in 1952.