September 16, 2005

Former archdiocesan priest named
in child sexual abuse lawsuit

The Archdiocese of Indianapolis has been informed that a lawsuit has been filed in Marion County accusing Harry E. Monroe of sexually abusing a boy from 1975-77, when the boy was 10-12 years-old. At the time, the victim was a member of St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Indianapolis, where Monroe served as associate pastor. Monroe was, at the same time, an instructor in the religion department of Bishop Chatard High School.

Monroe was relieved of his ministerial duties in 1984 by then-Indianapolis Archbishop Edward T. O’Meara.

The lawsuit also names the archdiocese and St. Andrew Parish as defendants.

The archdiocese continues to provide pastoral care and counseling to victims of sexual abuse, and continues to urge people to come forward to report sexual misconduct so that it can reach out to the victims. Anyone who believes that he or she has been a victim—or who knows of anyone who has been a victim—of such misconduct should contact the archdiocesan victim assistance coordinator, Suzanne L. Yakimchick, Chancellor, Archdiocese of Indian­apolis, P.O. Box 1410, Indianapolis, IN 46206-1410, or at 317-236-7325 or 800-382-9836, ext. 7325. †

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