Catholic Church chief resigns over monetary misconduct investigation
Father Kenneth Anderson, who led the St. John Henry Newman Parish in Evanston, Illinois, has resigned after an investigation discovered he misappropriated church funds for private bills.
The announcement of Anderson’s resignation got here final Friday in a letter from the Archbishop of Chicago, Cardinal Blase J. Cupich. The archbishop, who beforehand revealed on March 30 that Anderson had been positioned on administrative go away whereas a evaluation of parish funds was carried out, mentioned Anderson misappropriated “substantial parish funds.”
“That review has revealed that Father Anderson violated a number of core archdiocesan policies pertaining to the proper exercise of good stewardship of parish resources. These violations included the creation and maintenance of a separate bank account into which he deposited substantial parish funds,” Cupich wrote in his letter. “Some of these monies were used to cover costs unrelated to parish needs, including his personal expenses.”
The archbishop mentioned that when Anderson was introduced with the findings, he selected to resign and dedicated to refunding the cash used for his private bills.
“[H]e accepted my instruction that, when the full accounting is complete, he is to make restitution for any funds clearly identified as covering his personal expenses,” Cupich advised parishioners within the letter.
“[W]e take seriously our duty to steward the resources you provide and uphold best practices in their management. Your trust means a great deal to me, and I appreciate the patience you have shown as we conducted the review,” he added. “We will take steps with the parish leadership to remedy any deficiencies or lack of controls. You continue to be in my prayers, and I ask for yours.”
Kelly Foyle, principal of St. Athanasius, the Catholic college related to St. Athanasius Parish, which grew to become a part of St. John Henry Newman following a 2022 parish consolidation, addressed Anderson’s resignation in an electronic mail to high school households and neighborhood members on Sunday, the Chicago Tribune reported.
“We recognize this news may bring a range of emotions. These feelings are valid, and we hold them together as a faith community,” Foyle mentioned. “Please know we will continue to keep you apprised of updates as we learn them. Let us continue to hold one another and our St. John Henry Newman Parish community in prayer.”
Retired Pastor Gerald Gunderson is anticipated to quickly oversee the parish till a brand new pastor beneficial by the archdiocese’s placement board takes over completely by July 1, in line with Cupich.
For the reason that announcement of Anderson’s actions and subsequent resignation, some parishioners have praised the interior investigation.
Whereas he was “shocked” by the costs towards Anderson, longtime St. Athanasius member Paul Tolson mentioned the investigation by the archdiocese was “excellent,” and “reflects accountability,” the Evanston Roundtable reported.
Different parishioners, like Joel Dykstra, mentioned the police ought to have been known as in for the reason that misconduct concerned theft, however Catholics like Beverly Hand of St. Joan of Arc Church advised the publication that Anderson wants prayers.
“As a Catholic, I believe we’re all sinners, and we all fall down and should have a chance to get up,” she mentioned. “What Father Anderson really needs right now are our prayers.”
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“Well bless their hearts.”
