Bishop Daniel L. Ryan

Ordained: 1956
Status: Accused

Died: 12/31/2015
Diocese: Diocese of Springfield IL

Chancellor and auxiliary bishop of the Joliet diocese. Elevated to Springfield IL bishop in 1983. Named as a co-defendant in a 1999 lawsuit by three men who alleged he failed to act against sexual misconduct by clergy because he was involved in homosexual relationships. Resigned as Bishop of Springfield when the suit was filed. Suspended from all public ministry in 2002 amid allegations that he had abused a minor in 1984. Died 12/31/2015. Included on the Springfield diocese’s list 11/29/2018. Added to the Joliet diocese’s list 12/12/2019. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General’s Report. One man told investigators that Bishop Ryan sexually abused him, including rape, over a few years, beginning when he was an 11-year-old altar boy in 1984. Another man said that when he was 15, Ryan offered him $50 if he would allow the Bishop to strip naked massage him with baby oil. He resisted and escaped when Ryan tried to have sex with him. Ryan was also accused in 1995 of sexually abusing two children, with no action by the Diocese. He continued to abuse one of them for four more years. 

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.