CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF PEORIA REQUESTS PRIESTS...

"CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF PEORIA REQUESTS PRIESTS
TO NO LONGER FUNCTION IN
PUBLIC MINISTRY"
PEORIA- Bishop Daniel R. Jenky of the Catholic Diocese of Peoria has asked certain
priests to step-down from public ministry. Recent allegations of sexual misconduct with
minors were made against the men dating as far back as the 1960's. Each man has been
asked not to function as a Catholic priest in any public capacity, to no longer wear
clerical garb or the Roman collar, and to refrain from using the title Reverend or Father.
They are (also included is their most recent assignment):
• Edward Bush, 70, former pastor St. Patrick, Colona
• John Anderson, 69, former director of cemeteries, director of Propagation of the Faith,
director of King's House of Retreats, Henry, chaplain of St. Joseph's Retirement Home,
West Peoria
• Robert Creager, 74, former pastor St. Patrick, Ottawa
• Walter Bruening, 73, former pastor St. Joseph and St. Mary, Henry
• Richard Slavish, 68, former pastor St. Anthony, Matherville and St. John, Viola
• Norman Goodman, 73, former pastor Holy Family, Lincoln
• Gregory Plunkett, 57, pastor of St. Catherine's Parish, Aledo and St. Mary's, Keithsburg
has been withdrawn from all priestly ministry in the Catholic Diocese of Peoria following
allegations of sexual misconduct.
An initial complaint, dating back prior to his entrance into the seminary, was brought to
the diocese in early April 2002. Since that time, the diocese has been conducting an
investigation to determine the merits of the claim.
Despite Plunkett's denial of any wrongdoing, it was determined after additional
allegations - again, prior to his entrance into the seminary - were received by diocesan
officials that he should no longer function in active ministry.
In the case of Norman Goodman sexual abuse allegations were made against him as
recently as the 1990's. Those allegations first came to the diocese's attention in 1997.
Subsequently, Goodman was asked to no longer function in public ministry.
The other allegations against the remaining six men are 20 to 40 years old, although the
accusations of their misconduct were brought to the diocese in the last eight weeks.
Finally, it should be noted that Jeffrey Windy, former pastor of St. Patrick's, Sheffield,
and St. Marga ret's, Wyanet, who plead guilty to federal drug charges earlier this month,
was removed from all public ministry on the date of his arrest in January of 2002.