Following is the full text of a statement released by the Diocese of Peoria on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2015: Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, C.S.C. of the Catholic Diocese of Peoria has, upon the unanimous advice of the Diocesan Review Commission, required Father Terry Cassidy, pastor of St. Ann Church, Peoria, Illinois, to step down from public ministry.
Allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor were made against Cassidy dating back nearly thirty years ago. He can no longer function as a Catholic priest in any public capacity, wear clerical garb or the Roman collar, and is to refrain from using the title Reverend or Father.