Chicago Archdiocese reinstates priest after sexual abuse investigation

The Archdiocese of Chicago has cleared retired priest Kenneth Fleck of sexual abuse allegations involving a minor, allowing him to return to ministry. The decision follows an investigation by the archdiocese’s Independent Review Board, which concluded there was no reasonable cause to believe the allegations, which dated back more than 30 years, were true.

Cardinal Blase Cupich announced the reinstatement in a letter to several parish communities, noting that Fleck had cooperated with the investigation and strongly denied the claims. Fleck previously served as pastor of Our Lady of Peace from 1984 to 1996, the period during which the alleged abuse was said to have occurred.

While the archdiocese acknowledged that a lawsuit regarding the allegations may be filed, Cupich stated that the church must restore the reputation of those accused when allegations are found to be unsubstantiated. The archdiocese emphasized that the welfare of children remains a paramount priority.