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Madison Diocese: Priest Charged with Child Sex Crimes Can No Longer Serve in Ministry
The Diocese of Madison said Andrew Showers can no longer serve as a priest after Pope Leo XIV granted his request for dispensation.
- Effective June 24, Pope Leo XIV laicized Andrew Showers, releasing the former Madison priest from all clerical obligations. Bishop Donald J. Hying announced Showers is now prohibited from exercising priestly ministry or wearing clerical attire.
- Showers faces multiple felony charges including attempted child enticement and sexual assault following his August 2025 arrest. Clintonville Police Department officers took him into custody after he attempted to meet who he believed was a 14-year-old girl.
- In March 2026, prosecutors brought two additional felony charges of possession of child pornography. Forensic analysis of Showers' seized cellphone revealed images of minors accessed on August 16 and August 18, 2025.
- Showers remains free on a $10,000 cash bond according to Waupaca County officials. He is scheduled to appear in court on July 29, 2026, as Bishop Hying requests prayers for all those affected.
- Previously, the Diocese of Madison faced scrutiny regarding complaints from 2021 and 2024 involving pastoral questions during confession and alleged groping. Bishop Hying denied diocesan staff failed to act, emphasizing commitment to transparent communication.
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Madison priest defrocked after being charged with child sex crimes
MADISON, Wis. — A priest from Madison has been defrocked after being charged with child sex crimes. 38-year-old Andrew Showers faces 3 felonies including attempted 2nd degree sexual assault of child, attempted child enticement-expose genitals/pubic area/intimate parts, and attempted use a computer to facilitate a child sex crime in Waupaca County. According to a criminal complaint obtained by 620 WTMJ, Showers is accused of messaging a 14-year-o…
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Total News Sources11
Leaning Left1Leaning Right2Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution62% Center
Bias Distribution
- 62% of the sources are Center
62% Center
13%
C 62%
R 25%
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