Regarding Father Tom Urban, Archdiocese of Detroit Priest

The Archdiocese of Detroit received an allegation that Father Tom Urban, a priest of this Archdiocese, sexually assaulted a then-17-year-old female prior to 2010.

The Archdiocese was informed of the allegation on July 27, 2025, and notified the Michigan Attorney General's Office the following day. Throughout the subsequent weeks, the Archdiocese sought clarification from the Attorney General's Office regarding their intended next steps. On August 27, 2025, the Attorney General's Office informed the Archdiocese that it would not be initiating a criminal prosecution and that the Archdiocese could proceed with its own protocols and canonical (Church law) review. Fr. Urban was then informed of the allegation and relieved of his ministry at the Metropolitan Tribunal. He currently remains on paid administrative leave pending canonical disposition of this matter.

Fr. Urban disputes the allegation. Under Church law, much like in civil law, there is a presumption of innocence during this process.

After receiving authorization from the Attorney General's Office, the Archdiocese immediately initiated a preliminary investigation under canon law, which concluded that the allegation possessed a "semblance of the truth," the Church's legal standard for proceeding to a canonical (Church) trial. In accord with the mandate of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People ("Dallas Charter"), the matter also was placed for consideration before the Archdiocesan Review Board, whose members are largely lay Catholics with professional expertise in law, behavioral sciences, education, medicine, etc. The Archdiocesan Review Board also found a semblance of truth in the allegation.

In lieu of a canonical trial, and having heard from the Review Board as well as the alleged victim, Archbishop Edward Weisenburger has accepted Fr. Urban's request for voluntary dispensation from the clerical state (commonly referred to as “laicization,” or a return to the lay state). That petition now will be forwarded to the Holy Father in Rome. Only the Pope may make a final decision regarding such a petition from a priest.

The establishment of a “semblance of truth” in canon law does not serve as a finding of guilt, Likewise, a petition for dispensation from the clerical state is not an admission of any criminal act.

As always, the Archdiocese strongly encourages any individuals with knowledge of sexual abuse by clergy or other Church representatives to contact local law enforcement and/or the Michigan Attorney General's Office at (844) 324-3374 or aginvestigation@michigan.gov. Individuals also may contact the Archdiocese of Detroit by visiting protect.aod.org, or by calling the 24/7 victim assistance line at (866) 343-8055 or by emailing vac@aod.org.There are no time limits or restrictions on individuals wishing to report abuse.

Fr. Urban's Assignment History

• 2002-2004: Associate Pastor, St. Paul Parish, Grosse Pointe Farms
• 2004-2005: Administrator, St. Patrick Parish, Detroit
• 2004-2005: Administrator, St. Dominic Parish, Detroit
• 2005-2011: Canon law studies in Rome
• 2011-2012: Administrator, St. Mark Parish, Warren