Statement from Father Simon Baker, OSB

July 25, 2025

Atchison, Kansas, was my spiritual and physical home for nearly two decades. Four years ago, I left unexpectedly. I am grateful for the opportunity now to share some details about the journey I have been on during that time. 

In 2021, I stepped away from St. Benedict’s Abbey following an adult relationship that became romantic in nature and other instances of behaviors with several women that were inappropriate to my life and ministry as a priest. These behaviors included hugging and physical embracing that sought to provide comfort and reassurance to the women. A full investigation revealed that while my behavior was not in violation of criminal, civil, or canonical law, I did not meet the standards and expectations of the College and the Abbey, or that I hold for myself.

When I recognized the import of my personal and ministerial failures in the spring of 2021, I self-reported and sought help. I voluntarily entered an inpatient evaluation and residential treatment program. I was diagnosed with a situational adjustment disorder and, through intensive therapy, came to understand that my behavior arose from a misuse of physical contact and emotional involvement in personal and professional relationships. I thank all who provided information and prayers to assist me and the professional team that assessed and treated me.

Following treatment, the clinical professionals determined that I am not at risk for repeating these behaviors, but am to remain committed to living a healthy and balanced life, maintaining professional boundaries with those among whom I live and work, and a full engagement in the communal life of the monastic community. All of these, I have done diligently ever since. After I completed my inpatient program, I was discharged to the care of Mount Angel Abbey in Saint Benedict, Oregon, where I have focused primarily on continued aftercare and my monastic vocation. 

In 2023, a second, independent clinical team conducted a full re-evaluation. They confirmed the original diagnosis and concluded that I had shown meaningful growth, had no recurrence of improper behaviors, had learned the strict physical and emotional boundaries essential in ministry, and was prepared to return to ministry.

Today, I want to share with you that I will be returning to St. Benedict’s Abbey over the next several years as I make a long-term transition back to Atchison, where my work will not include any ministry at Benedictine College. In the short-term, I will remain at Mount Angel Abbey.

I would like to thank Abbot Jeremy Driscoll, OSB, of Mount Angel Abbey, who has offered his support for my return to St. Benedict’s Abbey:

“I have worked closely with Father Simon for the past several years after his inpatient treatment program, and I believe that he has shown genuine repentance, growth, and readiness to return to ministry and to St. Benedict’s Abbey in a considered capacity. Father Simon has maintained his compliance with his treatment recommendations and nourished his vocation.”

I am also grateful to Abbot James Albers, OSB, of St. Benedict’s Abbey for his guidance and care during this time and welcoming me back home. The Abbey has issued a public statement that says, in part:

“Fr. Simon has worked very hard to atone for his behavior and to heal the hurt he caused those affected by his actions. He has been honest and forthright in acknowledging the wrongs he has committed, has participated in intensive therapy, and has demonstrated commitment to his monastic and priestly vocations. Two separate independent clinical evaluations have determined that Fr. Simon has demonstrated meaningful growth and understands the strict physical and emotional boundaries necessary to be an effective minister. The clinical evaluations have also concluded that Fr. Simon is prepared to return to ministry.”

Finally, let me share what I believe is most important and must be said: I made serious misjudgments managing my ministries and responding to the needs and friendship of some women with whom I improperly socialized. I failed to maintain the strict boundaries proper to my life as a priest, and I fully recognize that it was my responsibility to do so. 

To the women and friends I hurt, I am sincerely sorry. While I cannot undo what happened, I offer you my deep and heartfelt apology, and I am committed to making amends through the Archdiocesan Restorative Justice Program. I pray for your forgiveness and well-being, and I pray that the Restorative Justice Program helps bring healing to those participating. I encourage anyone who has been hurt to consider participating in this ongoing program.

All Christians are called to embrace the power of grace, restoration, and the redemptive work of God in all our lives. My fervent prayer is for that same grace, restoration, and redemption from the community I dearly love and have hurt. I know forgiveness and trust must be earned, and I will continue working each day to live with humility, transparency, and accountability as I strive to earn your trust and forgiveness.

In the peace and grace of Christ,
Fr. Simon, OSB
fathersimonbaker@gmail.com