Following the resignation of the Rev. Kenneth Anderson from St. John Henry Newman Parish, churchgoers on Sunday said they were generally satisfied with how the Archdiocese of Chicago has handled the investigation thus far.
Cardinal Blase Cupich, the Archbishop of Chicago, first announced Anderson would be temporarily removed from administrative duties in a March 30 letter to parishioners. Cupich followed up with another letter Friday that announced his resignation and that church officials found Anderson used parish funds for personal expenses, among other financial violations.
Anderson “decided to resign” after these findings were shared with him and agreed to “make restitution for any funds” he used on personal costs, Cupich wrote.
Retired Pastor Gerald Gunderson will temporarily administer the parish until a new pastor recommended by the Archdiocese’s placement board takes over permanently by July 1.
The parish is headquartered at 1615 Lincoln St. in Evanston, and covers St. Athanasius Church at the same location and St. Joan of Arc Church at 3653 Lyons St. The two component churches were consolidated into a single parish in 2022 as part of the Archdiocese’s Renew My Church program.
At both churches Sunday morning, the Rev. Richard Jakubik, a vicar for priests at the Archdiocese, read the letter from Cupich aloud to each congregation and made himself available to parishioners to answer questions following the service. Jakubik did not say publicly whether the Archdiocese intended to involve law enforcement or how much money is involved.
Churchgoers react
Paul Tolson has been attending St. Athanasius in Evanston for close to 20 years and said he was “shocked” by the allegations. He called the investigation by the Archdiocese “excellent,” and said it “reflects accountability.”
Tolson is involved with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Chicago, a nonprofit that helps people in need, including through paying utility and medical bills. He said that Anderson has “been there for families in need” and is a supporter of the Society’s mission.
Joel Dykstra agreed that transparency from the Archdiocese in the investigation has been “appreciated.”
He said he presented three questions to Jakubik on Sunday: Did Anderson have a history of financial mismanagement? How much money did he take? And did he collude with anyone else? Dykstra did not share whether or not he received any answers and Jakubik did not take questions from reporters.
The Archdiocese of Chicago did not immediately respond to inquiries seeking more information on Sunday.
Dykstra said that because the allegations against Anderson included theft, the police should be involved.
Beverly Hand at St. Joan of Arc Church disagreed.
“As a Catholic, I believe we’re all sinners and we all fall down and should have a chance to get up,” Hand said following Mass Sunday morning. “What Father Anderson really needs right now are our prayers.”