Statement on allegation of child sexual abuse against former priest Ben Zoeller

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Diane Clay
Director of Communications
[email protected]
(405) 426-9075
 
Statement on allegation of child sexual abuse against former priest Ben Zoeller
 
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Archdiocese of Oklahoma City has received a credible allegation of child sexual abuse involving a former priest of the archdiocese.  
 
In a letter dated Nov. 14, a victim reported an incident of child sexual abuse in the early 1970s involving former priest Benjamin Zoeller while he was assigned to The Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Oklahoma City.
 
The archdiocesan victim assistance coordinator has made contact with the victim.
 
At the request of Archbishop Coakley, the archdiocese is currently reviewing Zoeller’s priest file as part of a comprehensive review by an independent firm. Zoeller was removed as a priest in 2002 and was laicized in 2011 by Pope Benedict XVI.
 
The archdiocese strongly encourages anyone who has been abused or may know of abuse of a minor to report it immediately.

To report incidences of abuse in the past or present, contact the Abuse of Minors Pastoral Response Hotline at (405) 720-9878.

Under Oklahoma law, all individuals must report an incident or suspicion of sexual abuse of a minor (person under age 18) to civil authorities. The Oklahoma Department of Human Services has established a statewide abuse reporting hotline – (800) 522-3511. A report to the archdiocese does not relieve the individual of the duty to report child abuse to civil authorities as required by state law.