St. Martin pastor resigns more than a year after being put on leave
ST. MARTIN, Mo. (KMIZ)
The pastor of St. Martin Parish has resigned a year and a half after he was put on administrative leave.
Mark Porterfield's resignation became effective Tuesday, according to the Diocese of Jefferson City.
The resignation comes after Porterfield was put on leave in January 2019 after he was accused of misconduct with a former adult employee. The diocese said an independent investigation could not corroborate the allegation.
When the allegation emerged, leaders removed Porterfield from all supervisory authority. Officials said priests have been serving as the administrators of St. Martins.
A letter sent to parishioners said Jason Doke will be the new pastor.
“Father Porterfield’s resignation is a sign of his concern for the parish,” W. Shawn Bishop McKnight said. “I am grateful for his recognition of the need to move forward.”
According to the letter, "With this decision, Father Porterfield’s priestly faculties have been reinstated. He has agreed to enter a program of renewal as he transitions back into ministry."
