Introduction to the Incident
A Catholic priest who served at a number of city and suburban parishes has been cleared by the church of accusations of sexual abuse of a minor about 40 years ago at Sacred Heart Parish in Melrose Park, according to a statement Wednesday from Cardinal Blase Cupich.
The Accusations and Investigation
The Rev. Curtis Lambert — who has “strenuously denied” the allegations — was pulled out of ministry in July, as well as all parish and school activities pending the conclusion of the archdiocese’s investigation. The church’s Internal Review Board recommended he be reinstated, which Cupich accepted effective immediately.
Response from the Archdiocese
Cupich, leader of the Archdiocese of Chicago, said that the welfare of children in the church’s care was of “paramount importance” and that allegations of misconduct are taken seriously, but added, “we must restore the good name of anyone so accused when the allegations are found to be unsubstantiated.” The archdiocese is the arm of the Catholic Church in Cook and Lake counties. Like other parts of the church, it has been rocked by numerous allegations as part of the decades-long child sex abuse crisis.
Details of the Investigation Outcome
“After receiving the results of the thorough investigation, the IRB determined that there is not a reasonable cause to believe Father Lambert sexually abused the person making the accusation,” Cupich wrote in the letter. “I publicly affirm that Father Lambert is a priest in good standing and express sincere appreciation for his many years of service to the People of God in the Archdiocese of Chicago.”
Background of the Priest
Lambert, who couldn’t be reached for comment, is a 78-year-old Oak Park native who served at parishes on the South Side and Northwest Side. He served as associate pastor of Englewood’s St. Basil from 1974 to 1976 when he moved to St. Bartholomew in Dunning where he served until 1983. Lambert then served at Sacred Heart and St. Eulalia in the western suburb Melrose Park until 1990. After Melrose Park, he served at Immaculate Conception and St. Michael in South Chicago from 1991 to 1995. He was pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes in Uptown from 1995 to 2007 and then joined St. Alphonsus Liguori in Prospect Heights where he remained until 2018. He also worked as an administrator at St. Thomas Becket Parish in Mount Prospect from late 2017 to mid-2018, and at St. Peter Damian Catholic Church in Bartlett in 2021.
Call to Action for Victims
“We encourage anyone who feels they have been sexually abused by a priest, deacon, religious or lay employee to come forward,” Cupich wrote in the letter. “They will be received with dignity and compassion.”
Conclusion
The clearance of Rev. Curtis Lambert by the Archdiocese of Chicago marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to address sexual abuse allegations within the Catholic Church. The church’s commitment to investigating such allegations thoroughly and its emphasis on the welfare of children are crucial steps towards healing and reconciliation. The case also highlights the importance of due process and the need to protect the reputations of those falsely accused.
FAQs
- Q: What were the allegations against Rev. Curtis Lambert?
A: Rev. Curtis Lambert was accused of sexually abusing a minor about 40 years ago at Sacred Heart Parish in Melrose Park. - Q: What was the outcome of the investigation?
A: The church’s Internal Review Board found no reasonable cause to believe Father Lambert sexually abused the person making the accusation, leading to his reinstatement. - Q: What is the Archdiocese of Chicago’s stance on sexual abuse allegations?
A: The Archdiocese takes allegations of misconduct seriously and is committed to the welfare of children in its care, while also ensuring due process for those accused. - Q: How can victims of sexual abuse by church personnel come forward?
A: According to Cardinal Blase Cupich, victims are encouraged to come forward and will be received with dignity and compassion.
