For Immediate Release
January 21, 2024
Statement on Catholic Deacon in Baltimore Removed from Ministry Pending Investigation
Last week, the Archdiocese of Baltimore received information about sexual misconduct involving Edward “Ed” Stoops, a deacon who has served at Our Lady of the Fields, Millersville. One individual with whom Deacon Stoops allegedly engaged in inappropriate sexual activity may have been a minor at the time.
The allegation has been reported to law enforcement. Archdiocesan policy requires the Archdiocese to cooperate with any investigation by law enforcement and also to conduct its own investigation. After receiving permission to proceed from the Anne Arundel County Police a few days ago, the Archdiocese has commenced its own investigation.
Pursuant to Archdiocesan policy, the Archdiocese removed Deacon Stoops’ faculties to function as a deacon and suspended him from ministry, pending the results of a full investigation. Deacon Stoops has acknowledged adult sexual activity that is inappropriate for a Deacon and has denied any sexual abuse of a minor.
This matter is in an early stage of investigation and thus no determination of credibility has been made by the Archdiocese at this time. However, the Archdiocese is making this communication in order to solicit any relevant information as part of its investigation and also in order to fulfill its commitment to open communication with affected communities. In accordance with Archdiocesan policy, counseling assistance is available to those affected by child sexual abuse.
Deacon Stoops was ordained as a deacon in 1972. He has served as a deacon at Our Lady of the Fields, Millersville since his ordination. Deacon Stoops also coordinated a ministry that supported homeless individuals at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Baltimore.
The Archdiocese of Baltimore is committed to protecting children and helping to heal victims of abuse. We urge anyone who has any knowledge of any child sexual abuse to contact law enforcement and if clergy or other church personnel is suspected of committing the abuse, we ask that you also call the Archdiocesan Office of Child and Youth Protection at 1-866-417-7469. If you have any other information relevant to this matter, please contact the Archdiocese Office of Child and Youth Protection at 410-547-5348.
Contact: Christian Kendzierski
Tel. 410-547-5378
christian.kendzierski@archbalt.org