Chicago Pastor Reinstated After DCFS Investigation into Child Sexual Abuse Allegation

Investigation Finds No Reasonable Cause to Believe Pastor Abused a Minor

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has closed its investigation into a child sexual abuse allegation against Rev. Martin Marren, a Chicago-area pastor. Marren was briefly investigated and subsequently reinstated after the DCFS findings and the results of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s own investigation were presented to the archdiocese’s Independent Review Board.

DCFS Investigation Concludes

The DCFS investigation was initiated after an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor was made against Marren. The investigation lasted approximately one week before it was closed. The DCFS findings were presented to the archdiocese’s Independent Review Board, which reviewed the evidence and concluded that there was not a reasonable cause to believe that Marren had abused a minor.

Archdiocese’s Investigation Finds No Evidence of Abuse

The Archdiocese Office for the Protection of Children and Youth conducted its own investigation into the allegation, which also found no evidence of abuse. The investigation included interviews with witnesses, review of records, and other evidence-gathering measures.

Pastor Stepped Away from Ministry During Investigation

Marren stepped away from his ministry during the investigation, as is standard protocol in such cases. He is an associate pastor at St. John Fisher Parish in Beverly and at St. Cajetan Parish in Morgan Park, and has served at six other churches since 1983.

Cardinal Cupich Commends Pastor’s Good Standing

In a letter to parishioners, Cardinal Blase Cupich commended Marren’s good standing and expressed his gratitude for the pastor’s service to the church. Cupich stressed the importance of taking allegations of sexual misconduct seriously, but also noted that the church must restore the good name of anyone so accused when the allegations are found to be unsubstantiated.

Pastor’s Service Record

Marren has served in various roles at other churches, including:

• Deacon in 1983 at St. Bernadette Parish in Evergreen Park
• Associate pastor from 1984 to 1991 at St. Germaine Parish in Oak Lawn
• Associate pastor from 1991 to 1997 at St. Barnabas Parish in Beverly
• Associate pastor from 1997 to 2004 at St. Gerald Parish in Oak Lawn
• Pastor from 2004 to 2018 at St. Emeric Parish of St. John Neumann Parish in Homewood
• Pastor from 2018 to 2022 at Queen of Martyrs Parish in Evergreen Park

Conclusion

The reinstatement of Rev. Martin Marren is a testament to the importance of due process and the church’s commitment to protecting the welfare of children. While allegations of sexual misconduct are always taken seriously, it is also important to restore the good name of anyone so accused when the allegations are found to be unsubstantiated.

FAQs

Q: What was the nature of the allegation against Rev. Martin Marren?
A: The allegation was a child sexual abuse allegation.

Q: How long did the DCFS investigation last?
A: The DCFS investigation lasted approximately one week.

Q: What was the outcome of the DCFS investigation?
A: The DCFS investigation found no reasonable cause to believe that Rev. Martin Marren had abused a minor.

Q: What was the outcome of the Archdiocese’s investigation?
A: The Archdiocese’s investigation also found no evidence of abuse.

Q: Has Rev. Martin Marren been reinstated?
A: Yes, Rev. Martin Marren has been reinstated after the DCFS and Archdiocese investigations found no evidence of abuse.