Abuse claim against Crookston diocese priest found ‘not credible’

A sexual abuse allegation against a priest in the Crookston diocese has been determined to be not credible.

That’s according to the Rev. Richard Pates, apostolic administrator of the diocese.

Father Patrick Sullivan had been suspended from ministry since 2016 after a 2008 allegation of sexual abuse against a minor on the Red Lake Reservation.

Pates says the case has been closed by the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith of the Vatican.

In a letter to the diocese, Pates said “a thorough, years’ long investigation… determined that the allegation… ‘is not credible and therefore unfounded.’”

Pates says the investigation was conducted under the supervision of Bernard Hebda, Archbishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

Pates says Sullivan’s future ministry “will be determined in the days ahead.”

(Photo: Diocese of Crookston)

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(Statement from Diocese of Crookston:)

TO: Diocese of Crookston Faithful
FROM: Most Rev. Richard E. Pates, Apostolic Administrator
RE: Allegation Against Father Patrick Sullivan Determined Not Credible
DATE: June 8, 2021

My friends in the Diocese of Crookston,

I am very pleased to inform you that the case of sexual abuse of a minor brought against Father Patrick Sullivan, a Priest of the Diocese of Crookston has been closed by the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith of the Vatican. Through a thorough, years’ long investigation, it was determined that the allegation made against Rev. Sullivan “is not credible and therefore unfounded.”

The investigation was conducted under the supervision of Archbishop Bernard Hebda, Archbishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

Father Sullivan is to be highly commended for the dignity with which he carried himself throughout these years of investigation. It has been very difficult for him. I know his brother priests and deacons as well as all of the faithful who know him for his pastoral skill and generosity share his relief at this moment. Sensitive to all involved in the resolution of abuse cases, whether victim or perpetrator, appreciation is forthcoming that due process carefully followed, renders a just decision.

All restrictions of ministry that had been imposed are fully lifted. His future ministry will be determined in the days ahead.

I close in renewing commendation to Father for respecting the entirety of a long process and assure him of our faithful support and heartfelt prayer.

Sincerely Yours in Christ,

MOST REVEREND RICHARD E. PATES
Apostolic Administrator
Diocese of Crookston