Declaración

Dear Mary Seat of Wisdom Family and Our Lady of Hope Mission Family,

Thank you for your patience and prayers during the absence of Father John Clemens. As I previously informed you, the Archdiocese received an allegation of child sexual abuse against Father Clemens dating back approximately fifty years ago. In accordance with our policies for the protection of children and youth, the Archdiocese Independent Review Board (IRB), assisted by our Office of Child Abuse Investigation and Review and outside investigators, conducted a thorough review of the allegation.

In light of the information presented, the IRB determined that there is not a reasonable cause to believe Father Clemens sexually abused a minor. In addition, the Board recommended that the file be closed and Father Clemens be returned to ministry.

Having given careful consideration to their recommendation, which I accept, I now inform you that I am reinstating Father Clemens’s faculties to minister.

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. At the same time, we must keep our commitment to do everything possible to restore Father Clemens’s good name. We will share this letter with our priests, asking them to provide it to their parishioners. It will also be sent to the media and archdiocese employees and posted on our Archdiocesan website.

Let us continue our prayers for all affected by the crime and sin of sexual abuse of minors.

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Cardinal Blase Cupich
Archbishop of Chicago

Letter to Our Lady of Hope Mission (PDF)

Letter to Mary Seat of Wisdom (PDF)