Community Corner
Former Pastor At Tinley Park's St. George Cleared Of Sexual Abuse Claims
Fr. Ken Fleck was pastor at St. George from 2003 to 2020. The abuse was alleged to have happened 30 years ago at a different parish.
TINLEY PARK, IL — A former pastor at St. George in Tinley Park has been cleared of allegations that he sexually abused a minor during his time at another parish, the Archdiocese of Chicago said.
Fr. Ken Fleck, who served as pastor from May 2003 to June 2020, was accused of the abuse alleged to have occurred more than 30 years ago at Our Lady of Peace Parish in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood.
Letters to parishes where Fleck served in various capacities were sent Oct. 25, stating that his name had been cleared following an extensive investigation by civil authorities and the archdiocese’s Independent Review Board. Cupich stated the IRB determined “that there was not a reasonable cause to believe Father Fleck sexually abused the person making the allegation.”
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“They recommended that he be returned to ministry and that this file be closed,” Cupich said. “I have accepted their determination and recommendations.”
Cupich went on to emphasize the Archidocese's approach to any allegations of abuse against minors.
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“It is important to stress that the welfare of the children entrusted to our care is of paramount importance,” Cupich stated. “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.”
Fr. Paul Seamon, current pastor at St. George, shared the letter on the parish's social media.
"With great joy, the Cardinal announced that Father Ken Fleck has been cleared of any wrongdoing," Seamon said. "We look forward to him getting back into the ministry God has called him to."
Fleck was retired and not currently serving in a parish when the allegation was made. The cardinal publicly affirmed that Fleck is a priest in good standing and expressed “sincere appreciation for his many years of service to the Archdiocese of Chicago.”
“He deserves our respect and gratitude,” Cupich said, “and I hope you will join me in thanking him for his long-standing dedication.”
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