The 21st Show

Catholic Clergy Abuse In Illinois; ‘Crime-Free Housing’ Ordinances

By Niala Boodhoo, Libby Foster, Robin Linn and Alan Montecillo
 
The interior of Holy Trinity Catholic church.

The interior of Holy Trinity Catholic church. AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki

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Lawyers representing victims of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy have released a public list of accused clergy in Illinois. We hear from one of those attorneys, and the archdiocese of Chicago. Plus, ‘crime-free’ housing rules are meant to reduce crime in rental properties, but landlords, tenants, and police are divided over whether these rules are too broad. 

Last week, attorneys representing clergy abuse victims presented a report which details the alleged sexual misconduct by nearly 400 Catholic clergy in Illinois.

This number far exceeds the roughly 200 priests who have already been publicly identified by Illinois’ six Catholic diocese. It includes priests and lay people who at one time served in parishes or schools or otherwise worked in Illinois including 29 in the Peoria Diocese, 22 in Rockford, and 23 in the Springfield. Most of the priests have died or are no longer in ministry. ​

We were joined by: 

  • Jeff Anderson: Attorney, Jeff Anderson & Associates, Minneapolis

  • John O’Malley: Special counsel for the Archdiocese of Chicago

  • Heidi Schlumpf: National Correspondent, National Catholic Reporter, based in Chicago.

Plus -- 

Across Illinois, dozens of communities have been implementing ordinances aimed at addressing crime in, and around, rental properties. They’re called ‘crime-free housing’ programs. Most say that if someone in the home is connected to a crime, the tenant can lose their housing.

Supporters say these rules help reduce crime. But some say these crime-free ordinances are too broad, and disproportionately target communities of color.

We were joined by: 

  • Kate Walz: Vice President of Advocacy, Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law

  • Mary Hansen: Reporter, NPR Illinois 

Story source: WILL