Lawsuits Claim Child Sex Abuse by Former South Side Pastor

The Rev. George Clements, a notable figure in the Black Catholic movement, is facing serious allegations in new lawsuits against the Archdiocese of Chicago. Clements, known for his ‘One Church, One Child’ adoption initiative, also adopted children himself. While these actions captured headlines, they reportedly concealed a ‘decades-long child sex ring’ at his parish.

Sean O’Malley, a lawyer with Hart McLaughlin & Eldridge, presented these allegations, labeling Clements as ‘an absolute imposter and probably the most prolific child molester in the history of the Archdiocese of Chicago.’

Installed as pastor of Holy Angels Parish in 1969 after support from his followers, Clements remained in his position for 22 years. Lawsuits claim Clements used the parish’s school as a setting for regular sexual abuse during this time. The law firm represents over 100 clients, alleging abuse by Clements or his associates. The alleged victims were as young as 5, with suits filed for seven, although only two were filed by Tuesday evening. It is also claimed that the archdiocese took inadequate action due to the race and poverty of the students.

Photos of abuse survivors were displayed on Oct. 13, 2026, during a lawsuit announcement against the Archdiocese of Chicago. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

Following his appointment, Clements selected Paul Smith as the new principal. Together, they enforced a strict discipline regime, allegedly using corporal punishment as a cover for sexual abuse. In 1972, the Rev. Kenneth Brigham, a priest with prior abuse claims, joined Holy Angels’ rectory.

According to the lawsuits, Clements, Smith, and Brigham held frequent gatherings where they isolated and abused children. Brigham left in 1978, yet the alleged sex ring continued. One sixth-grade boy endured abuse starting in the altar boys’ changing area. Similar disturbing claims emerge throughout the lawsuits.

Older students and young boys from outside the school were also reportedly targeted. Clements offered personal mentorship to lure boys, while Smith invited them for chores, using these opportunities for abuse.

After Clements left Holy Angels in 1991, John Calicott succeeded him and gained popularity within Chicago’s Black Catholic community. However, Calicott, too, allegedly abused boys and faced public accusations.

In 1993, a claim against Calicott followed the archdiocese’s process for handling abuse. Initially admitting some misconduct, he was reinstated in 1995, much to the congregation’s enthusiasm, as reported.

Following the reinstatement, Calicott continued abuse until new guidelines resulted in his removal in 2002. He later died in 2024. Clements passed away in 2019, amidst an investigation for abuse. The archdiocese settled one of the allegations in 2022. Smith was murdered in 1996, while Brigham passed away a decade later.

Although the archdiocese did not address specific claims, they stated protecting children is critical. Protocols established in 1992 have become a model, ensuring prompt reporting to law enforcement and support for survivors.