The Catholic Archdiocese of Anchorage is moving forward with plans to defrock a long-time priest suspected of inappropriate behavior with five women.
The archdiocese in 2009 suspended Father J. Michael Hornick for what it said was inappropriate physical contact with three adult women.
Archdiocese spokesman Father Thomas Brundage says two more women came forward with similar allegations that occurred decades ago when they were minors.
Hornick served in Anchorage for more than 40 years. After his dismissal as pastor of St. Nicholas Parish, he was forbidden from identifying himself as a priest.
Brundage says Hornick denies the allegations. Hornick did not immediately return a phone message Tuesday morning.
Brundage says the archdiocese is asking that people come forward if they were harmed by Hornick or other church personnel.
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