A Council Bluffs priest has been suspended following accusations of inappropriate conduct.
The decision to indefinitely suspend Father Carlos Pineda Gomez came down from the Diocese of Des Moines on Tuesday. Pineda served as a parochial vicar at Corpus Christi Parish in Council Bluffs which serves nearly 3,000 people and partners with St. Albert Catholic Schools. He has served as a priest for just over a year, being ordained in December of 2016.
The diocese says Pineda was suspended for “a serious violation of boundary issues related to unwelcome advances toward an adult."
Bishop Richard Pates notified Council Bluffs law enforcement before suspending Pineda. He is no longer allowed to engage in public ministry, visit the parish office, St. Albert Catholic Schools, or the church's religious education program.
Bishop Pates says he is praying for the church community in Council Bluffs. “On behalf of the Diocese of Des Moines, I wish to extend my prayers and sincere apology to any person who has been victimized. During this Lenten season, I ask you to keep in your prayer all victims of abuse, the Corpus Christi Parish community, and Father Pineda.”
Anyone with allegations of abuse by Pineda, or any clergy member, is encouraged to contact local police or diocesan Victim Assistance Advocate Sherry Knox at advocate@dmdiocese.org, sherry.knox@polkcountyiowa.gov or 515-286-2028.