Former Pastor Of St. Mary of the Assumption Parish Under Investigation

The Diocese of Gaylord announced Wednesday that an investigation is underway after it was made aware of a complaint regarding electronic messages sent to a small number of high school students, which are in an “apparent violation of our diocesan Protocols for Ministry to Minors.” Those protocols establish, among other things, that one adult is not to be alone with a minor and state that one-on-one communication between an adult and a minor via “electronic means” is prohibited.

The diocese immediately referred the concerns to the Michigan Department of Attorney General and Michigan State Police.

Lynsey Mukomel, press secretary for Attorney General Dana Nessel, confirmed to the Leelanau Ticker that “we are investigating, but given it’s active we aren’t releasing additional details.”

This investigation involves Rev. Bryan Medlin, pastor of the National Shrine of the Cross in the Woods in Indian River. Medlin was appointed to Indian River effective September 17, 2021, after previously serving as pastor of St. Mary of the Assumption Parish in Lake Leelanau, according to an announcement on the Diocese of Gaylord website.

Father Medlin has stepped aside from all parish and diocesan responsibilities while this civil investigation is underway. “He is not engaging in any ministerial activities at this time and any investigation of the matter by church authorities will be undertaken after the civil investigation concludes,” the release said.

Mackenzie Ritchie, director of communications for the Diocese of Gaylord, said: “The safety and security of our students — and all those within our schools and parishes — could not be more important, and we are thankful for the continued work of civil authorities in safeguarding our young people. The diocese continues to fully cooperate with law enforcement and civil authorities and follow their direction.”

She added that the Diocese of Gaylord encourages that any allegation of abuse, harassment, or inappropriate conduct by someone in the church be reported to the Michigan Department of Attorney General at 844-324-3374 or to local law enforcement.