Statement Regarding Rev. Jonathan Shelley

Date: Thursday, January 11, 2018
Source: Tom Halden, Director of Communications

From Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda

Father Jonathan Shelley has been authorized to return to limited ministry, serving those who are in prisons and jails in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.

Father Shelley has been out of ministry since June 2012, after it was determined that there was pornography on his computer in the early 2000s. The computer evidence was investigated by law enforcement, the case was presented to a prosecutor’s office and a determination was made to not file criminal charges. Prior to Father Shelley’s return to ministry, the Archdiocese’s Ministerial Review Board (MRB) thoroughly reviewed and discussed his case. The MRB recommended to Judge Tim O’Malley, Director of Ministerial Standards and Safe Environment, that Father Shelley be allowed to return to ministry in this limited capacity. Judge O’Malley agreed with that recommendation and I have concurred.

Father Shelley will be serving under the direction and guidance of a deacon who serves as the Coordinator of Corrections Ministry for the Archdiocese. In addition, as with any person ministering in a secure facility, Father Shelley’s activities will be subject to the security and oversight procedures of the Minnesota Department of Corrections and any county facilities visited.