An ousted Garden City priest, who stepped down in the midst of a financial scandal, has withdrawn his resignation and told parishioners in a letter that he was forced out.Father Don Demmer of St. Dunstan Parish told parishioners that he did nothing wrong and has been living out of a suitcase since June when a financial audit of the church began.
“I was asked in June to wait patiently and not contact parishioners until the resolution of the audit,” Demmer said. “That is the reason I have not spoken to you or responded to your notes. I have not been hiding from you.” Demmer said in the letter that he reluctantly resigned last week.
“I was waiting to come home to Saint Dunstan when unexpectedly last week I was told I would not return,” he said in the letter.
In a separate letter Wednesday to Cardinal Adam Maida, Demmer withdrew his resignation.
“After prayer and reflection, I withdraw my letter of resignation of Pastor of Saint Dunstan Catholic Church which was submitted under threat and duress,” he wrote.
Garden City Police said earlier this week they are investigating embezzlement accusations against a former office employee of a Garden City Catholic church along with $1.4 million in unpaid federal payroll taxes.
A letter to the congregation of St. Dunstan Parish from Detroit Auxiliary Bishop Francis Reiss said a financial audit during the summer showed a prolonged pattern of embezzlement of parish funds.
The audit also found that payroll taxes for parish employees -- totaling $1.4 million with projected interest and penalties -- went unpaid in the last five years, Reiss said.
"Because of his unique role in the administration and access to parish funds, the pastor also shares some responsibility and accountability in such situations," the letter said.
"In the case of St. Dunstan, the audit has shown Fr. Demmer did not follow archdiocesan policy."
Demmer has been pastor of the church for 20 years and has a loyal following.
Many have been upset over his absence since June.
The church, founded in 1957, has about 1,200 families.
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