Evanston Pastor Removed from Managing Church Finances Amid 'Serious Concerns'

St. John Henry Newman Parish leader asked to step down from financial duties during review by Archdiocese of Chicago

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:59pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a church offering plate or collection box, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the investigation into financial irregularities at the parish.The investigation into financial irregularities at St. John Henry Newman Parish has raised concerns about the oversight of church donations and collections.Chicago Today

Rev. Kenneth J. Anderson, pastor of St. John Henry Newman Parish in Evanston, has been asked to step down from his administrative duties following questions surrounding the parish's handling of finances. Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of the Archdiocese of Chicago addressed internal concerns raised about the potential mishandling of parish funds in a letter to the community, stating that a review of parish finances is underway and Anderson is fully cooperating with the decision.

Why it matters

The announcement comes amid an unstable period for St. John Henry Newman Parish, marked by staff departures and a push for increased donations to address a budget deficit. The parish was formed in 2022 through the merger of two local churches as part of the Archdiocese of Chicago's Renew My Church program, raising questions about the financial management during a time of transition.

The details

In the letter, Cardinal Cupich stated that 'serious questions have been raised about the administration of parish finances' and that a review of the parish's business systems will be 'thorough.' Anderson will retain his duties as pastor during the interim period, while Pastor Wayne Watts of Saints Joseph and Francis Xavier Parish in Wilmette has been assigned to oversee the administration of internal finances.

  • On March 30, Cardinal Blase J. Cupich sent a letter to the St. John Henry Newman Parish community addressing the concerns.
  • Anderson was asked to step down from his financial administrative duties as of the date of Cupich's letter.

The players

Rev. Kenneth J. Anderson

The pastor of St. John Henry Newman Parish in Evanston who has been asked to step down from his financial administrative duties during a review of the parish's finances.

Cardinal Blase J. Cupich

The Cardinal of the Archdiocese of Chicago who addressed the concerns about the potential mishandling of parish funds at St. John Henry Newman Parish in a letter to the community.

Pastor Wayne Watts

The pastor of Saints Joseph and Francis Xavier Parish in Wilmette who has been assigned to oversee the administration of internal finances at St. John Henry Newman Parish during the review.

Kevin McCaughey

The operations director for St. John Henry Newman Parish who declined to comment on behalf of the parish and its St. Athanasius School.

Adam McCostlin

The Parish Pastoral Council Chair at St. John Henry Newman Parish who, along with the Parish Finance Council Chair, wrote an open letter to the community requesting contributions to help close the parish's financial gap.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“You should know that serious questions have been raised about the administration of parish finances. We have therefore undertaken a review of parish finances and have asked Father Anderson to step away from his financial administrative duties while we do so.”

— Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, Cardinal of the Archdiocese of Chicago

“Please know that the examination of parish business systems will be thorough. Your trust means a great deal to me and I appreciate your patience as we undertake this review and work to remedy any possible deficiencies or lack of needed controls.”

— Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, Cardinal of the Archdiocese of Chicago

What’s next

The Archdiocese of Chicago will complete a thorough review of St. John Henry Newman Parish's finances and business systems, with the goal of addressing any identified deficiencies or lack of controls. The timeline for this review is unclear, but Cardinal Cupich has asked for the community's patience as the process unfolds.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of strong financial oversight and accountability within religious institutions, especially during times of transition and consolidation. The Archdiocese of Chicago's swift action to investigate concerns and temporarily remove the pastor from financial duties demonstrates a commitment to maintaining the trust and confidence of the parish community.