Dear Saint Francis de Sales Family, I am aware that many of you were contacted recently by a group soliciting your participation in sending letters of support for Fr. David Ryan to Cardinal Cupich and Bishop Grob. While I understand the sentiment expressed in that communication, I did not authorize, nor was the pastoral staff consulted with, or communicated to, about this letter. As the letter from Cardinal Cupich stated, the Archdiocese is following procedures used when an allegation is made against a member of the clergy, or a lay employee or volunteer. These include asking the accused to step aside while investigations are conducted. As the Cardinal’s letter also stated, this action is not meant to imply guilt or innocence. These procedures are aligned with national norms for handling allegations of sexual abuse of a minor as expressed in the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. We encourage anyone who believes they have been abused by Archdiocese employees to come forward and receive the help they deserve. Only by treating those bringing allegations and the accused in the same respectful Christian manner can we hope to restore trust and achieve healing. Father Ryan understands the value of this policy and is complying fully with the process. Please join your prayers to his and ours that everyone affected by the crime and sin of abuse finds healing. We will keep you informed as new information becomes available. Yours in Christ, Rev. Jerome J. Jacob Temporary Administrator of St Francis de Sales