Officials at St. Gregory's Church in Boca Raton, where he was director of youth ministry, told parishioners with a note on the church's Web site that Penland is suspended.

The church first learned of the charges against him from a call from the Asheville Citizen-Times on Wednesday.

"We have no reason to believe that there have been any incidents of this type of behavior in our parish and are hopeful that Father Michael will be cleared of all charges," the church said in its statement.

Penland listed a Fennel Dun Circle address in Candler's Biltmore Lake subdivision when he was arrested on the misdemeanor charge. He worked for the Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross Holy in Tryon before moving to Florida.

Church leaders in Western North Carolina and Florida who knew Penland also reacted to the news Thursday.

Bishop Porter Taylor, who leads the 20-county Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina, said the church has a fair and thorough process for dealing with allegations like those filed against Penland.

"We believe that through these incidents if we will hold on to our faith in Jesus Christ there is resurrection," he said. "The church is committed to creating safe places for everyone and we are committed to having priests that are wholesome examples and we do all in our power to make that happen."

Penland left the church in Tryon in March of 2006 and started his job in Florida early this year, according to church officials in North Carolina.

The Rev. Michael Doty, rector at Holy Cross, said members there were "saddened" to learn of the charges.

The Rev. Andrew Sherman, rector at St. Gregory's, said the diocese will conduct its own investigation. He said Penland's family was standing by him and that church members hope Penland, a popular priest, is found innocent.

END