Bishop Paprocki Responds to Degrand Statement

WICS
May 22, 2015

http://www.wics.com/news/top-stories/stories/vid_22796.shtml

[with video]

Bishop Thomas Paprocki, firing back after a former central Illinois priest said the church inquiry that led to his ouster resembled a witch hunt.

Robert DeGrand was removed from four parishes earlier this month over alleged misconduct that happened in 1980 in Jacksonville.

Media reports show DeGrant says his removal was not directly related to the allegation, but instead for refusing to move to a private home while on administrative leave after a complaint.

Bishop Paprocki released this statement Thursday that says, in part:

"Our Diocesan Review Board unanimously found that the allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor against Father DeGrand was credible and I accepted their finding. Father DeGrand was removed because he has refused to cooperate with the review board and declined the opportunity they offered to review their finding. As long as that finding stands, I cannot and will not return Father DeGrant to ministry."