EVERGREEN PARK, IL — An associate pastor at Most Holy Redeemer Church in Evergreen Park has been asked to live away from the parish while the Archdiocese of Chicago investigates a 40-year-old child sexual abuse allegation.
Cardinal Blase Cupich sent a letter to parishioners Saturday, informing them that he had “difficult news” to share about associate pastor, Father Paul Guzman. The cardinal said the archdiocese received an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor from approximately 40 years ago when Guzman was a layman, and 25 years before he entered Mundelein Seminary to prepare for the priesthood.
“In keeping with our child protection policies, I directed Father Guzman to step aside from ministry immediately and to live away from Most Holy Redeemer Parish when he returned from his military service,” Cardinal Cupich’s letter said. “He agreed to cooperate with this direction.”
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According to a source, the person making the accusation has made similar claims against other clergy, none of which turned out to be credible.
In keeping with the archdiocese’s child protection policy, the allegation was reported to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and the Cook County State’s Attorney. The person making the accusation has also been offered pastoral services of the archdiocese’s victim assistance ministry, and a chance to participate in the investigation process, which is underway, the cardinal said.
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“It is important to remind everyone that, while the Archdiocese takes every allegation of child sexual abuse seriously, the fact of an allegation does not presume guilt,” the cardinal stated. “We should reserve judgement until the investigation is complete, and the Independent Review Board makes its recommendation to me.”
The Archdiocese’s Office for the Protection of Children and Youth will be available at 312-534-5254 to answer any questions parishioners may have and provide support if needed.
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