Former Grayslake Priest Removed From Ministry Following Allegation

GRAYSLAKE, IL — A priest who previously served at St. Gilbert Parish in Grayslake has been temporarily removed from ministry following an allegation of inappropriate physical contact and boundary violations involving an adult, according to the Archdiocese of Chicago.

The Rev. Samson Mukundi, who served as associate pastor at St. Gilbert Parish from November 2007 to June 2012, has been directed to undergo an evaluation and will not be permitted to engage in public ministry during that time, Cardinal Blase Cupich said in an Oct. 31 letter to parishioners.

"The allegation does not involve the sexual abuse of a minor," Cupich wrote. "Nevertheless, the concerns raised are serious and warrant careful attention and appropriate action."

The archdiocese did not provide details about when or where the alleged misconduct occurred or whether the allegations are connected to Mukundi's time in Grayslake.

Mukundi most recently served as pastor at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Chicago's McKinley Park neighborhood. Similar letters were sent to parishioners at four other churches where Mukundi previously served.

In his letter, Cupich acknowledged the news could be troubling to those who knew Mukundi during his years of service.

"Please know that the Archdiocese takes seriously its responsibility to uphold appropriate standards of conduct among those entrusted with pastoral ministry, while ensuring that all individuals involved are treated with fairness, dignity, and respect," Cupich wrote.

The archdiocese is also asking anyone who may have experienced inappropriate conduct, unwanted physical contact or boundary violations involving Mukundi, or who may have information about similar incidents, to come forward.

Those with information can contact the archdiocese's Vicars for Priests Office at 312-534-1837. Anyone who believes they have experienced criminal misconduct can also contact local law enforcement.

The archdiocese has not said whether the allegations were reported to police or whether Mukundi has responded to the claims.

"We will share additional information as appropriate and as circumstances permit," Cupich wrote.

The archdiocese has not announced how long Mukundi will remain out of ministry.