CHICAGO (WLS) — Three retired Chicago area priests are being asked to remain out of the ministry pending the investigation of nearly 50 year old allegations of sex abuse against minors, the Archdiocese announced Saturday.

Father John J. Rudnik, Father James E. Flynn and Father John W. Clemens are each facing allegations dating back nearly half a century and are fully cooperating in the process, church officials said.

The persons making the allegations have been offered services of the Archdiocese Victim Assistance Ministry and authorities have been notified, the Archdiocese said. Parishioners in the parishes where these priests served have also been notified.

“We take every allegation seriously and follow the policies and procedures we have had in place for decades,” said Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago. “Only by conducting an impartial and thorough investigation can we fulfill our promise to protect the young people in our care and, if the results warrant, restore the good name of one so accused.”

Last week, Lake Zurich pastor, Father David Ryan, was asked to step aside for a second time until an independent review board can investigate a decades-old allegation of sexual abuse against a minor. The latest allegations come a year after Fr. Ryan was reinstated after similar allegations were found to be untrue, the Archdiocese of Chicago said.

Copyright © 2022 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

You May Also Like

Kadarius Toney responds after retirement rumors run wild on social media

Kadarius Toney appeared to respond to internet rumors that he was retiring,…

West Coast, Messed Coast™ City to Become ‘Sanctuary’ for Men Who Dress as Women

Welcome to the West Coast, Messed Coast™ where Democrats keep overspending…

Australians predicted to spend $4.8 billion over the Easter long weekend

Amid a cost-of-living crisis, Australians are still predicted to spend big this…

WA opposition leader lashed for wanting to cash in on Aussie athletics success with Commonwealth Games bid following the collapse of the Melbourne Games

Western Australia’s Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas is under fire after renewing his…