An Evergreen Park priest has stepped aside from the ministry after the Archdiocese of Chicago received an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor from about 40 years ago.
In a letter dated Saturday, Cardinal Blase Cupich said a person reported the abuse occurred when Rev. Paul Guzman, an associate priest at Most Holy Redeemer Parish, was a layman. Cupich said the accusations date back to 25 years before Guzman entered Mundelin Seminary to prepare for the priesthood.
The allegation was reported to the Illinois Department of Family and Child Services and the Cook County State’s Attorney while Guzman was overseas on military duty, Cupich said.
Guzman has agreed to live away from the parish during the investigation, Cupich said, and the person making the allegation has been offered pastoral services of the Archdiocese’s victim assistance ministry and the opportunity to participate in the investigation process, which is underway.
“It is important to remind everyone that while the Archdiocese takes every allegation of child sexual abuse seriously, the fact of an allegation does not presume guilt,” Cupich wrote. “We should reserve judgment until the investigation is complete and the Independent Review Board makes its recommendation to me.”
Last year, the Archdiocese of Chicago added dozens of names to an online list of priests credibly accused of sex abuse.
Guzman could not be reached for comment.
Related
Related
(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire & Chicago Sun-Times 2023. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
Listen to our new podcast Courier Pigeon
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram