Priest removed from Southwest Side parish following allegations of 'inappropriate contact' with an adult

The Archdiocese of Chicago removed a priest from a Southwest Side parish after he was accused of "inappropriate physical contact" and "boundary violations" with an adult.

Rev. Samson Mukundi, who was serving as pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish in McKinley Park, was temporarily removed from his post after the allegations against him came to light, Cardinal Blase Cupich wrote in a letter to the parish.

In the letter dated Saturday, Cupich wrote the allegations do not involve a minor, but "the concerns raised are serious and warrant careful attention and appropriate action."

Mukundi could not immediately be reached for comment.

Letters were also sent to four other parishes where the priest has served: Jesus, Bread of Life Parish in Logan Square; St. Benedict the African Parish in Englewood; St. Gilbert Parish in far north suburban Grayslake; and St. John Neumann Parish in south suburban Homewood.

Rev. Deogratias Mbonyumugenzi, pastor of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity, will temporarily serve as administrator of Blessed Sacrament Parish, Cupich wrote.