The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas announced a formal restriction on Phil Baniewicz, the former president of Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park. Under a canonical decree issued on Aug. 13, Baniewicz is deemed unfit for any employment, volunteer work, or ministry that involves minors or other vulnerable individuals within the archdiocese.
Background and prior actions
The decision follows a series of actions that began in June 2025. On June 5, the Bishop Miege board placed Baniewicz on administrative leave after receiving reports questioning his ability to maintain a safe environment for students. Two weeks later, the archdiocese restricted him from all active ministry, including youth ministry and any volunteer role at church schools or institutions, and required him to adhere to a safety plan.
Baniewicz was also barred from contacting anyone who had made an accusation of abuse or who might serve as a witness. The board ultimately voted to terminate his employment, effective Aug. 6, 2025, while an independent investigation continued.
Independent investigation findings
The archdiocese said the investigation, conducted by a professional investigative firm, examined 16 distinct allegations dating back to the mid‑1980s. The review covered Baniewicz’s time as a youth minister in Mesa, Arizona (1985‑1993), his service with Life Teen, Inc. (1993‑2006), his presidency at Maur Hill‑Mount Academy in Atchison, Kansas (2010‑2023), and his tenure as Bishop Miege president (2023‑2025).
Investigators conducted 68 interviews and analyzed extensive records, working with the Kansas City‑based Child Protection Center and cooperating with local law enforcement and the Kansas Department for Children and Families. Baniewicz himself was interviewed and provided a written statement.
The final report cited “serious concerns regarding conduct,” describing a consistent pattern of imprudent professional behavior, repeated failures to maintain appropriate ministerial and professional boundaries with minors, deficient safeguarding practices, and conduct incompatible with the standards expected of those entrusted with ecclesiastical service involving children and vulnerable people.
Archdiocesan response
Archbishop Shawn McKnight emphasized the church’s duty to protect minors, stating, “The protection of minors and persons in vulnerable situations is fundamental to the mission of our church. As believers and followers of Jesus Christ, we have a sacred responsibility to safeguard the innate human dignity of every person and to hold one another, especially those who exercise authority and power in the Church, to the high moral standards of our faith.”
The archdiocese noted that no criminal charges have been filed against Baniewicz, but the ecclesiastical restriction remains in effect. It also urged anyone with information about misconduct by church volunteers, employees, or clergy to use its confidential reporting line at 913‑276‑8703 or submit a report online at www.archkck.org/reportabuse.
New leadership at Bishop Miege
Earlier this year, Michael Riley, a longtime teacher and administrator within the local Catholic school system, was appointed as the new president of Bishop Miege High School.
Original reporting: Johnson County Post (Overland Park) — read the source article.
