MADISON (WKOW) — The Diocese of Madison has issued a statement addressing allegations of sexual assault against Fr. Andrew Showers, who is charged in a separate case with child sex crimes .

The statement comes after new testimony earlier this week from a woman who claimed Showers groped her under her clothes and made sexually inappropriate comments in 2024. You can read our full coverage of that story here.

In its release, the Diocese said it was “devastating to learn of this additional allegation,” adding that it “prayerfully supports and stands behind those who have suffered harm, especially at the hands of those entrusted to pastorally care for us.”

The diocese also rejected accusations made during a press conference by advocacy groups that church officials attempted a cover-up.

See Full Page