CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - The Archdiocese of Chicago Tuesday reinstated a retired priest accused of sexually abusing a minor.
Father James Flynn, 80 and pastor emeritus at the Far South Side’s Holy Name of Mary Parish, can return to active ministry, according to Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago. Back in September, Flynn was one of three priests asked to step away from ministry while Archdiocese’s Independent Review Board investigated sexual abuse allegations.
Flynn was accused of sexually abusing a minor in 1978 while assigned to Resurrection Parish on the city’s Northwest Side. Cupich said Flynn cooperated with the Archdiocese and the accusation was reported to the civil authorities.
The review board determined that there was not “reasonable cause to believe that Fr. Flynn sexually abused a minor.”
“It is crucial that you know nothing is more important than the welfare of the children entrusted to our care,” wrote Cupich in a letter to parishes in which Flynn had previously served. “The Archdiocese of Chicago takes all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously and encourages anyone who feels they have been sexually abused by a priest, deacon, religious or lay employee to come forward.”
Flynn ministered to Holy Name of Mary Parish for 17 years, 15 of those as pastor, before retiring in 2012. He also presided at Our Lady of Mount, St. Margaret of Scotland, and St. Priscilla Parishes.
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