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Statement of the Archdiocese of Chicago on Father George Clements

Aug 8, 2019

Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, has asked Father George Clements, a retired priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago, to step aside from ministry pending the outcome of an investigation into an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor in 1974, while he served as pastor of Holy Angels Parish in Chicago. 

The allegation was referred to the archdiocesan Office for Child Abuse Investigations and Review by the Chicago Police Department. In keeping with our child protection policies, the allegation was reported to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and the Cook County State’s Attorney. The person making the allegation has been offered the services of the archdiocese’s Office of Assistance Ministry.

Fr. Clements, who retired from active ministry in 2006, has served the archdiocese in various roles, including:

  • St. Ambrose Parish (Chicago, 47th Street), associate pastor, July 6, 1957 – July 6, 1962
  • St. Dorothy Parish (Chicago, 78th Street), associate pastor, July 7, 1962 – June 19, 1969
  • Holy Angels Parish (Chicago, Oakwood Boulevard), pastor, June 20, 1969 – June 30, 1991
  • Diocese of Nassau Bahamas, West Indies, September 1, 1991 – October 17, 1993
  • St. Sabina Parish (Chicago, Throop Street), resident priest, 1993
  • Archdiocese of Washington DC, October 18, 1993 – March 31, 2006
  • Holy Angels Parish (Chicago, Oakwood Boulevard), pastor emeritus, March 31, 2006

Since his retirement, Fr. Clements has assisted at various parishes in the archdiocese. All pastors have been notified of this action.

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. Complete information about reporting sexual abuse can be found on the Archdiocesan website at www.archchicago.org.