A priest on leave from his parish since last month because of a sex-abuse allegation has been reinstated by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Joliet, church officials said Saturday.
Rev. John F. Barrett, 69, was removed May 5 from his post at Mary Queen of Heaven Parish in Elmhurst so the diocese could investigate a charge that he abused a Catholic school student in 1968.
In a statement Saturday, diocesan chancellor Sister Judith Davies said the diocese’s independent review was “unable to substantiate the allegation by gaining further information from the accuser or by finding any evidence to support his accusation.”
But John Leding, a friend of the alleged victim, said the man had not yet met with diocesan investigators. “I think [the alleged victim] would talk, but Barrett is threatening to sue him” for slander, Leding said.
Leding and the accuser were students at Notre Dame Catholic School in Clarendon Hills, where the abuse is alleged to have occurred. At that time, Barrett was pastor of Notre Dame Parish.
Leding said he had suggested to the head of the review committee that the victim be assured he would not be sued if he came forward and stated his claims. Leding received no response, he said.
Attempts to reach Davies were unsuccessful Saturday.
In the written statement, Davies said the re-investigation included interviews with several people who worked at the church, school and rectory at the time the alleged abuse took place. The statement also noted no additional allegations have been made against Barrett.
Barrettsaid Saturday he was happy to return to work.
“I’m thrilled to be back, and the parish is thrilled to have me back,” he said. “They’ve been waiting and praying for a long time.”
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When he was removed from duty, Barrett took the unusual step of calling a news conference to declare his innocence. He said naming priests who are simply accused of abuse, and not convicted, can be damaging.
“I am innocent–my reputation has been tarnished,” he said.
Two weeks later, his accuser responded, although he asked that his name not be used. He said that in 1991 the diocese had canceled a meeting to discuss his allegations because he wanted his wife or an attorney to be present.
Davies has said previously that the charge was set aside as unsubstantiated in 1992.
In Saturday’s statement, Bishop Joseph L. Imesch said that although the publicity was painful for Barrett and his parish, it was in keeping with the diocese’s new stance on handling sexual abuse allegations.
“We sincerely wish there had been a way to do this without the pain this situation has caused,” Imesch said. But Barrett’s removal during the re-investigation was “consistent with our commitment to safeguard children.”
“If we are to be accused of erring, we must err on the side of protecting children,” Imesch said.
Barrett was warmly received on Saturday afternoon, receiving two standing ovations from a packed congregation at 5 p.m. mass, according to Deacon John Maloney. A sign outside the church read, “Welcome home we love you Father John.”