Dear Clergy and Faithful of the Diocese of the Midwest,
Christ is in our midst!
It is with regret that I inform you that a formal complaint was made against me last Friday, August 24, 2012. The allegations are that I made unwelcome written and spoken comments to a woman that she regarded as an inappropriate crossing of personal boundaries and an abuse of my pastoral authority. I deny these allegations and I plan to respond in due course.
According to the OCA’s policies, I am on paid administrative leave until the investigation is completed. Fr. John Zdinak, the Chancellor of the Diocese, will be the temporary administrator in my absence.
Please pray for all of us who are involved in this matter.
Your Shepherd in Christ,
+MATTHIAS
Bishop of Chicago and the Midwest
