CHICAGO (IL)
WLS - ABC 7 [Chicago IL]
October 24, 2026
‘There is not a reasonable cause to believe Father Fleck sexually abused the person making the accusation,’ Cupich letter reads
A Chicago priest has been returned to ministry after an investigation into an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor, the Archdiocese of Chicago said.
In July, the Archdiocese of Chicago sent letters to multiple church communities after Father Kenneth Fleck was accused of sexual abuse more than 30 years ago at Our Lady of Peace Parish.
He has served at parishes in Oak Lawn, South Holland, Tinley Park and Chicago.
Cardinal Blase Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, sent a letter to multiple parishes Saturday to inform them of Father Fleck’s reinstatement after the Independent Review Board’s investigation.
“After receiving the results of their thorough investigation, the IRB determined that there is not a reasonable cause to believe Father Fleck sexually abused the person making the accusation,” the letter read in part. “They recommended that he be returned to ministry and that this file be closed. I have accepted their determination and recommendations.”
Father Fleck denied the allegations during the investigation.
Saturday’s notice that Fleck has been reinstated was sent to Saint Barnabas Parish in Chicago, Saint Catherine of Alexandria Parish in Oak Lawn, Christ Our Savior Parish in South Holland, Saint George Parish in Tinley Park, Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish in Chicago and Saint Katherine Drexel Parish in Chicago.