Topeka ? Archbishop James Keleher of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas said a meeting he had Tuesday with about 200 people showed that the Catholic church is willing to address sexual abuse.

The media were asked not to attend the meeting at Holy Name Catholic Church. Keleher and other participants said the meeting occasionally became heated but was mostly positive.

Keleher and the Rev. Charles McGlinn, vicar general for the archdiocese, spent about 80 minutes answering questions and discussing the church’s policy on sexual abuse.

After the meeting, Keleher pronounced it a success, and he said it showed the church was being “transparent” in dealing with a most difficult matter.

“It’s not the kind of meeting I enjoy coming to, particularly,” Keleher said. “But I know it’s good, because there were people here tonight from all over Topeka.”

Keleher said he and McGlinn were invited to Topeka by the Rev. John Reynolds, pastor of Holy Name Church. Catholic clergy from several local parishes were among those in the audience.

Keleher said he believed the church had shown a willingness to deal forthrightly with sexual abuse problems when they occur.

Allegations have been made against three priests serving parishes in the archdiocese. Two of the priests were removed, and one is on administrative leave pending the findings of the archdiocese’s independent review board, which includes priests and lay people.

Because of the church’s response to the scandal, McGlinn said, “I think people believe that we are truly behind the protection of our children and that we will stand by that.”

John Callan, 73, a member of Christ the King Catholic Church, called the meeting “very factual” and “very positive.” He said audience members gave a standing ovation to priests and the priesthood in general.