CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - The Archdiocese of Chicago has reinstated a retired priest accused of child sexual abuse.
Father John Clemens will return to active ministry, Cardinal Blase Cupich announced in letters written to parishioners at both Our Lady of Hope Mission in Rosemont as well as Mary Seat of Wisdom Parish in Park Ridge. Clemens was alleged to have sexually abused a minor approximately 50 years ago.
Cupich said the Archdiocese’s Independent Review Board along with its Office of Child Abuse Investigation and Review completed a thourough investigation and determined “not a reasonable cause to believe Father Clemens sexually abused a minor.”
“I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the great patience you and Father Clemens have
shown in this moment of trial. Yet, Father Clemens supports the need for us as a Church to keep our word that the safety of children remains our priority,” Cupich wrote.
The Archdiocese has officially closed Clemens’ file and will allow him to return to active ministry.
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