Evanston Pastor Used Parish Funds For Personal Use: Archdiocese

EVANSTON, IL — An investigation into the fiscal administration of St. John Henry Newman Parish revealed its pastor, Rev. Kenneth J Anderson, used parish funds for personal expenses, according to the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Cardinal Blase J. Cupich addressed the parish community in a letter on April 10 to provide an update on the investigation.

"On March 30 of this year, I informed you that serious questions had been raised about the fiscal administration of your parish and that we would undertake a review of parish finances," Cupich wrote. "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."

During the review, Anderson was asked to step away from his financial administrative duties, and Father Wayne Watts, pastor of Saints Joseph and Francis Xavier Parish in Wilmette, oversaw operations until the process was complete.

According to Cupich, Anderson created and maintained a separate bank account where he deposited "substantial parish funds." Some of the funds were used to cover costs unrelated to parish needs, including his personal expenses, Cupich said.

Following the results of the review, Anderson decided to resign as pastor.

Cupich said Anderson also agreed to make restitution for any funds clearly identified as covering his personal expenses.

Bishop Timothy O'Malley, Episcopal Vicar, will meet with the pastoral and financial councils to determine the best steps forward to rebuild the trust of parishioners.

Cupich set a July 1 deadline for the placement board to recommend a new pastor. Until a new pastor is chosen, Father Gerald Gunderson, an experienced retired pastor, will serve as administrator.

"Your trust means a great deal to me and I appreciate the patience you have shown as we conducted the review. We will take steps with the parish leadership to remedy any deficiencies or lack of controls," Cupich said.