Evergreen Park Priest Removed

By Manya Brachear
Chicago Tribune
September 25, 2012

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chinews-evergreen-park-priest-remove-20120925,0,3875707.story

An image of the top of the Archdiocese of Chicago release announcing the removal of priest Gary Miller as the pastor of an Evergreen Park church. (Chicago Tribune illustration / September 25, 2012)

A Roman Catholic priest in southwest suburban Evergreen Park has been removed from ministry following an allegation that he engaged in sexual misconduct with a minor while assigned to St. Leonard parish in Berwyn more than 30 years ago, according to the Chicago Archdiocese.

This past weekend, the Rev. Gary Miller resigned as pastor of St. Bernadette Catholic Church, where he has served as pastor since July 2001. Miller could not be reached for comment. The archdiocese did not say in the statement whether he denied the allegation.

According to a statement issued by the Chicago Archdiocese, the allegation surfaced on June 30. Church officials immediately reported it to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and to the Cook County State's Attorney. The Archdiocese's Independent Review Board determined there is reasonable cause to suspect that sexual abuse of a minor had occurred and recommended that Miller be withdrawn from ministry.

Contact: mbrachear@tribune.com