Father Bernard Knoth
Archdiocese of New Orleans
Ordained: 1977
Removed: 2003
Left Society of Jesus and Ministry: 2009
Laicized: 2009
Died: 2019
Assigned as follows:
- 1971-1974 St. Ignatius College Prep (Chicago, IL)
- 1974-1980 Jesuit School of Theology (Chicago, IL)
- 1980-1988 Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School (Indianapolis, IN)
- 1989-1990 Loyola University Chicago (Chicago, IL)
- 1990-1995 Georgetown University (Washington, DC) Chaplain-in-residence, Assistant Dean, and Professor of Education
- 1995-2003 Loyola University (New Orleans, LA) - University President
- 2004-2009 Jesuit Community (Chicago, IL)
Summary of Abuse Allegations against Father Bernard Knoth:
Father Bernard Knoth was a Jesuit priest of the Chicago Province known for his work as an educator. He served in Chicago, Indianapolis, Washington DC and New Orleans.
According to media reports, in 2003, nine years into his position as President of Loyola University, he was accused of sexually abusing a high school student in 1986 at Brebeuf Jesuit Prep in Indianapolis, where he was principal from 1986 to 1988. No further information regarding the allegation including age/gender of the victim was disclosed. He denied the allegation, but the diocesan review board and his Jesuit superior deemed accusation credible. Father Knoth was removed from public ministry, and he resigned as President of Loyal University in New Orleans.
In 2004, a second sexual misconduct claim was made. It was deemed credible by the Midwest Province and made public in 2018. It related to an incident in which Knoth abused a minor in 1987. This charge was reported to the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, which then reported the accusation to the Chicago Province, now the Midwest Province. No criminal charges were filed against Knoth.
As of 2007, he has been living and working as an executive recruiter in Sarasota, FL. In August 2009, he was laicized.
In October 2018, Father Knoth's name appeared publicly on the Archdiocese of Indianapolis' list of clergy credibly accused of sex abuse of minors. One month later in November it appeared on the Archdiocese of New Orleans' list. In December 2018, his name appeared on the Jesuits Central and Southern Province's list, and the Jesuits Midwest's list, which noted multiple allegations.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims of sexual abuse in the Archdiocese of New Orleans. The Archdiocese of New Orleans filed for federal bankruptcy protection in April 2020. Our lawyers are now offering free legal consultations to discuss your legal options as a survivor of sexual abuse by priests and other employees of the New Orleans Archdiocese.
Very strict filing deadlines will soon be set by the Bankruptcy Court. Most victims of abuse will never be able to recover damages if they miss this deadline, so please contact us to discuss your case today. Call us at 888-283-9922 or send an e-mail to adam@adamhorowitzlaw.com.