Edward J. Slattery, a retired Catholic bishop who faced criticism for reinstating a priest later accused of sexually abusing an Oklahoma boy, has died at age 84. The Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma announced his death on Saturday, stating that Slattery passed away late Friday at his home in the Tulsa area following a series of debilitating strokes. Vicar General Fr. Gary Kastl confirmed the news in a statement from the diocese.
In 2002, Slattery publicly apologized for his decision to reinstate Rev. Kenneth Lewis in 1995, despite previous allegations of abuse. Lewis had been initially removed from the ministry in 1994 but was reinstated after psychiatric treatment. Slattery later expressed regret over the situation, acknowledging mistakes but not feeling guilty, attributing them to a culture of protecting the church.
Lewis was eventually removed from the ministry and resigned in 2007 after pleading guilty to sex abuse charges. Slattery also faced controversy for his opposition to the University of Notre Dame’s invitation to President Barack Obama in 2009. Born in Chicago, Slattery was ordained a priest in 1966 and became bishop of Tulsa in 1994.
He oversaw significant initiatives, including the expansion of Catholic Charities and a new campus in north Tulsa. Slattery resigned in 2016 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age. He is survived by four sisters and one brother.
Peoplesmind
