Life Teen - History

History

Life Teen began as a plan aimed to revolutionize youth ministry and bring the message of Jesus Christ to teenagers in a way they could understand it. It was decided that a new approach was needed to evangelize the Catholic youth in their area. According to Life Teen sources, they now have over 1100 individual programs in the United States and around the world.

One of the founders of the movement, then Fr. Dale Fushek, was later excommunicated and laicized following an abuse scandal and opening of a non-denominational worship center in the Phoenix area.

In 2005 there was a controversy surrounding one of the organization's founders, Dale Fushek, who was accused of sexual contact with several youths. In 2008, he was excommunicated for founding an independent worship center in defiance of his bishop's order to cease all ministry work. In February 2010 he was laicized. In April 2010, Dale Fushek pled guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge involving inappropriate contact with a young man. The prosecution dropped an allegation that the contact was sexually motivated, meaning Dale Fushek was not required to register as a sex offender.

Life Teen's President, Randy Raus, encouraged prayer: "I want to assure you as the President of Life Teen, that it has been over five years since Dale Fushek has been involved with the movement of Life Teen. We continue to pray for all involved and for healing. Again, the movement of Life Teen is in full support of Pope Benedict XVI, Bishop Olmsted and the Diocese of Phoenix in these matters. We are thankful to Bishop Olmsted for his continued support and guidance over the past few years. Life Teen faithfully and enthusiastically serves the Roman Catholic Church in complete obedience to the Magisterium and strict fidelity to Church teachings."