Fr. John C. Anderson

Donate Photo
Ordained: 1959
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Peoria IL

Removed from assignment at St. Edward’s in Chillicothe in 1993 when an allegation surfaced that Anderson had sexually abused a boy a decade earlier. Sent to treatment. Anderson’s accuser said Bishop Myers told him he was lying. Continued to work in administrative positions “on special assignment” until 2002. Named in a 10/2018 suit against all of the Catholic dioceses in IL, claiming Anderson sexually abused a boy at ages 8-14 in the late 1970s-early 1980s, also at St. Edward’s. The plaintiff said the Diocese told him they knew Anderson had abused young boys and suggested he forgive the priest. Included on the diocese’s list of accused in 12/2018. In 6/2018 was reportedly living in a Bloomington retirement community, presenting himself as a priest. (The Diocese’s 2020 list shows Anderson as having died in 2009 and a 1948 ordination date, yet news articles from the era show that he was ordained in 1959. John C. is first listed in the Official Catholic Directory in 1960, which reflects the year 1959-1960. The Directory does not show a John Anderson in Peoria prior to then.) Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General’s Report, which notes 7 “reported survivors.”


Return to main database page. See abbreviations and posting policy. Send corrections.

Our Database of Publicly Accused does not state or imply that individuals facing allegations are guilty of a crime or liable for civil claims. The reports contained in the database are merely allegations. The U.S. legal system presumes that a person accused of or charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty. Similarly, individuals who may be defendants in civil actions are presumed not to be liable for such claims unless a plaintiff proves otherwise. Admissions of guilt or liability are not typically a part of civil or private settlements. For more information, see our posting policy.