Statement regarding Fr Loren ODea

Effective Friday, October 5, 2012, Fr. Loren O’Dea, 83, a senior (retired) priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit, has been placed on an administrative leave of absence and restricted from any public ministry.

The Detroit archdiocese, after consultation with the Archdiocesan Review Board, deemed substantive two allegations of sexual misconduct with minors involving Fr. O’Dea which date back just prior to his ordination. Information about the allegations, which was received in recent weeks, was turned over to civil authorities.

The Archdiocese of Detroit commissioned an investigation that found the complaints to be of sufficient substance to require the placement of restrictions on Fr. O’Dea prohibiting him from performing any public ministry or presenting himself as a priest.

Information on archdiocesan policies and procedures regarding these matters is available on the Protecting Children page. To inform the archdiocese of complaints involving sexual abuse of minors by clergy or church personnel and/or to speak to the Victim Assistance Coordinator contact: 866-343-8055.

Biographical information

Education: Sacred Heart Seminary, DetroitSt. John Provincial Seminary, Plymouth Wayne State University, DetroitSacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit

1993 Ordained1993 Associate Pastor, Our Lady of Sorrows, Farmington1997 Senior (retired) status2012 Administrative Leave of Absence