Father Matthew Foley of Chicago readmitted to church following accusations of sexual abuse during his time at Lawndale St. Agnes Parish

CHICAGO (WLS) — A priest has been reinstated to Chicago churches after being accused of sexually abusing a minor.

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In January, it was announced by the Archdiocese of Chicago that Father Matthew Foley had been accused of sexual abuse of a minor during his time at St. Agnes Parish in Lawndale around three decades ago.

On Monday, the Archdiocese said that after an independent investigation they determined that there was no sexual misconduct.

Following a thorough investigation, the Independent Review Board (IRB) concluded that there was no substantial evidence supporting the allegations of sexual abuse against Father Foley. Cardinal Blase J. Cupich stated in a release that based on the IRB’s findings, Father Foley should be reinstated to his ministry immediately, and the case should be closed.

Subsequently, Father Foley was reinstated to serve in various ministries at St. Agnes of Bohemia Parish, St. Gall Parish, St. James Parish, Mary Seat of Wisdom Parish, Misión San Juan Diego Parish, St. Norbert and Our Lady of the Brook Parish, as well as St. Simone Cyrene Parish.

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“It is important to stress that the welfare of the children entrusted to our care is of paramount importance. For this reason we take all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously. At the same time, we must restore the good name of anyone so accused when the allegations are found to be unsubstantiated. To that end, I publicly affirm that Father Foley is a priest in good standing and express sincere appreciation for his many years of service to the People of God. He deserves our respect and gratitude and I hope you will join me in thanking him for his longstanding dedication,” the Archbishop said.

Father Foley was one of two Chicago priests facing accusations.

In January, it was announced that Father Henry Kricek was accused of sexual abuse against a minor while he was assigned to St. John Bosco Parish in Belmont Cragin approximately 40 years ago, the Archdiocese said. There was no update on his case.