Bishop, Belmont Abbey apologize to victim as chancellor steps down over misconduct finding

CHARLOTTE — Bishop Peter Jugis issued the following statement March 28 regarding the departure of Monsignor Mauricio West, vicar general and chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte:

The Diocese of Charlotte announces that Monsignor Mauricio West has stepped down from his position as vicar general and chancellor, effective Monday, March 25, 2019. His departure follows a recent finding by the Lay Review Board of the Diocese of a credible allegation of sexual misconduct.

The alleged events occurred in the mid-1980s when Monsignor West was the Vice President for Student Affairs at Belmont Abbey College, and involved multiple instances of unwanted overtures toward an adult student over a two-year period. In February, the individual met personally with the Lay Review Board to discuss the allegation.

Monsignor West has denied the allegation. During a period of counseling and assessment, he will be on a leave of absence from his ministerial duties.

While the alleged behavior did not constitute sexual abuse and did not involve a minor, it is the strict policy of the Diocese of Charlotte to refer all allegations by known accusers of potential sexual misconduct to the Lay Review Board for investigation. Misconduct includes boundary violations and improper behavior by clergy, lay people and church volunteers involving children and adults.

Personally, and on behalf of the Catholic Church, I extend our deepest apologies to the victim in this case and pray for all who have suffered from misconduct. The Diocese of Charlotte is committed to taking all necessary steps to root out all inappropriate behavior and to being open and transparent about our handling of all allegations of such conduct.

The Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis
Bishop of Charlotte

Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari issues statement

BELMONT — Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari, chancellor of Belmont Abbey College, issued the following statement March 28 regarding the departure of Monsignor Mauricio West as vicar general and chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte: (Editor’s note: Monsignor West began his ministry as a Benedictine monk at Belmont Abbey, and he served for a decade in various faculty and administrative positions at the Benedictine-run college including director of residential life and vice president for student affairs and later sat on the college’s board of trustees.)

We were sorrowful to learn this week that an allegation of sexual misconduct against Monsignor Mauricio West, a current diocesan priest and former Vice President for Student Affairs at Belmont Abbey College, has been determined to be credible. The misconduct allegedly occurred mid-1980s during Monsignor West’s tenure at Belmont Abbey and involved an adult student, who claims to have been a victim of unwanted advances by Monsignor West.

Monsignor West has denied the allegations. Nonetheless, we are deeply sorry for the victim and have apologized personally to the individual. Although we cannot undo the past, we are dedicated to preventing such inappropriate behavior in the future.

We are thoroughly committed to the prevention of sexual misconduct of any kind. We investigate and remediate all claims according to state and federal laws and provide regular training and education to members of the Abbey community on the prevention of sexual harassment and misconduct.

While it is disheartening that a former student and our entire community have been hurt by this allegation, we are committed to honesty and transparency in handling all allegations of misconduct. We pray for the healing of all who have suffered from clerical misconduct and remain dedicated to our mission and to the welfare of our students. We have cooperated fully with the Lay Review Board of the Diocese of Charlotte in this matter.

For information regarding the safety and protection of Belmont Abbey College students, including our sexual misconduct policy, please visit: https://belmontabbeycollege.edu/campus-life/campus-safety/. For further information regarding the current allegation, which was reported to and investigated by the Diocese of Charlotte, please contact David Hains, Director of Communications for the Diocese.