Media Advisory: First Public Nuisance Lawsuit Filed Against the Archdiocese of Chicago Involving Fr. Daniel McCormack
The lawsuit seeks disclosure of the identities and secret documents of all clergy offenders since 1950
(Chicago, IL) – The law firm of Jeff Anderson & Associates, in conjunction with Kerns, Frost & Pearlman, filed a lawsuit today on behalf of a man, John Doe 239, who was sexually abused by Father Daniel McCormack at St. Agatha parish in Chicago. The lawsuit names the Archdiocese of Chicago as the defendant and alleges the Archdiocese created a public nuisance by conspiring and engaging in efforts to conceal the sexual assault of children within the Archdiocese from authorities and allowed known child molesters to live freely in the community.
Jeff Anderson & Associates has filed several public nuisance cases against Catholic dioceses throughout the country with notable success. As a result, dioceses have been forced to disclose the identities of the accused priests and the files pertaining to each priest.
The lawsuit seeks to expose the dangerous practices employed by the Archdiocese of Chicago in protecting known child abusers. Attorney Jeff Anderson noted, “We acknowledge that the Archdiocese has made significant strides towards transparency and the protection of children. But that there is still more work to be done. We wish to work with the Archdiocese rather against them to achieve these goals. This lawsuit is an invitation to the new Archbishop to compassionately engage with survivors and to fulfill his pledge of openness and transparency. In order for the community to be safe today the secrets of the past must be disclosed.” The new lawsuit requires further disclosure regarding Daniel McCormack and all other priests accused of sexually abusing minors in the Archdiocese.
Archbishop Cupich was not involved in the McCormack case and does not have a history in the Archdiocese. Anderson thinks Cupich is well-equipped by reason of his experience and his word to work with the survivors instead of against them in court.