FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CHICAGO PROVINCE JESUITS
2050 N. Clark St., Chicago IL 60614

10/7/2003

Contacts: George Kearney, director of publications: office (773) 975-8181, mobile (773) 870-0648.

Chicago Province statement on resignation of Fr. Bernard P. Knoth, SJ

The Chicago Province Jesuits issued the following statement regarding the resignation of Fr. Bernard P. Knoth, SJ, a member of the Chicago Province, as President of Loyola University New Orleans:

"The Provincial Superior of the Chicago Province of the Society of Jesus removed Fr. Bernard P. Knoth, SJ, from active ministry following an allegation of sexual abuse against him. The abuse is said to have taken place during Fr. Knoth’s tenure at Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School in Indianapolis, IN. Upon receiving the allegation against Fr. Knoth, the Chicago Province immediately initiated an internal investigation and then forwarded the case to a Chicago Province Review Board. After a report from the Board, the Provincial Superior elected to remove Fr. Knoth from active ministry. Fr. Knoth has requested a leave of absence from the Society of Jesus," said Fr. James P. Gschwend, SJ, Provincial Delegate.

"The entire Jesuit community today joins in prayer for healing, justice, and reconciliation for the accuser and the accused. We also pray for a full and complete resolution for all victims— those who have come forward and those who continue to suffer in silence."

This action is in accordance with the policies and procedures adopted by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2002. The Chicago Province continues to proceed in accordance with the Charter for Protection of Children and Young People and its companion Essential Norms.

The Chicago Province makes every possible effort to prevent the occurrence of misconduct by any of its members. In this case, as in others where abuse is said to have taken place, the Province receives complaints with open compassion and with attention to the dignity of all those involved. Throughout the procedures stemming from any allegation, the Province seeks to care for the accuser and the accused in any way possible and appropriate.

In any case where abuse is said to have taken place, the Province immediately launches an internal investigation and then forwards the case to a Review Board. Following the Review Board’s report, the Provincial Superior takes appropriate action. Credible allegations are then reported to appropriate local and Church authorities. In this case the Province is working closely with Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory in Indianapolis.

Fr. James P. Gschwend, SJ, is the Provincial Delegate and can be reached for interviews at (773) 975-6913.

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