A longtime Chicago-area pastor is being investigated by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services over an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor.
The Rev. Martin Marren is an associate pastor at St. John Fisher Parish in Beverly and at St. Cajetan Parish in Morgan Park. He has served at six other churches since 1983.
In a letter to parishioners, Cardinal Blase Cupich said Marren has agreed to step aside from the ministry and live away from the parish while the investigation remains open.
Marren maintains his innocence and has cooperated with the investigation, Cupich added.
“We want to stress that the welfare of the children entrusted to our care is a paramount,” Cupich wrote. “The Archdiocese of Chicago takes all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously and encourages anyone who feels they have been sexually abused by a priest, deacon, religious or lay employee to come forward.”
Cupich added that the person who made the allegation has been offered the services of the archdiocese’s Victim Assistance Ministry.
The archdiocese also plans to investigate the allegation and submit a report to its independent review board after DCFS completes its probe, Cupich said.
Marren also served in various roles at other churches:
Deacon in 1983 at St. Bernadette Parish in Evergreen ParkAssociate pastor from 1984 to 1991 at St. Germaine Parish in Oak LawnAssociate pastor from 1991 to 1997 at St. Barnabas Parish in BeverlyAssociate pastor from 1997 to 2004 at St. Gerald Parish in Oak LawnPastor from 2004 to 2018 at St. Emeric Parish of St. John Neumann Parish in HomewoodPastor from 2018 to 2022 at Queen of Martyrs Parish in Evergreen Park