Ohio basilica, national shrine rector relieved of duties following indecency charge

August 22, 2026

A Maronite bishop relieved the rector of an Ohio basilica and national shrine of his duties after the rector was charged with procuring and with public indecency.

Bishop A. Elias Zaidan of the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles relieved Chorbishop Christopher Anthony Spinosa of his assignment as rector of the Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in North Jackson, Ohio, on August 18.

WKBN-TV reported:

According to a police report, officers were called about 5:40 p.m. July 31 to Perkins Park after a couple walking their dog said they saw a man and another suspect, Kenneth Kopp, engaged in sexual activity as they were standing next to a car. Police immediately identified Kopp but redacted Spinosa’s name in the report.

The Chorbishop—a title akin of that of a monsignor or vicar forane—pleaded not guilty to the charges.

According to the most recent (2025) edition of The Official Catholic Directory, Spinosa has held leadership positions in the eparchy: he is listed as protopresbtyer of the eparchy’s Midwest region, one of the three members of the college of consultors, and one of three members of the priests’ retirement fund.

 

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Further information:

• Chorbishop of local shrine relieved of duties after being named as suspect in indecency case (WKBN-TV)
• Bishop Zaidan's letter (Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles, 8/18/26)