Following the resignation of Bishop Lambert Anthony Hoch, Dudley was named the sixth Bishop of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, by Pope John Paul II on November 6, 1978.[2] He was the first U.S. appointment of John Paul II, who had been elected that October. Dudley was later installed on December 13, 1978.[2] During his tenure, Dudley developed several ecumenical ministries serving the poor, and fostered many retreat and spiritual renewal programs.[3] He was active in such anti-abortion organizations as Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life, Total Life Care, and Prolife Across America.[1] He also served as episcopal moderator for Worldwide Marriage Encounter and for Teens Encounter Christ.[3] He became a beloved figure among Catholics in the diocese, and was described as "a holy man" and "a true shepherd."[4] After sixteen years as bishop, Dudley resigned on March 21, 1995.[2] He retired to the family farm in Northfield, and there served as pastor of St. Dominic Church (1995–1997).[1]
Allegations
In 1999 Dudley was accused of sexually abusing two women in the 1960s and 1970s.[5][6] However, the charges were later dropped due to insufficient evidence.[5] In 2002 he was again accused of molesting an 11- or 12-year-old altar boy on four occasions during the 1950s.[5][7][8] Following this accusation, he declared, "I totally deny these allegations. They are brutally unfounded."[5] He also decided to withdraw from "any priestly ministry" pending the conclusion of an investigation "due to the great publicity given to priests and bishops accused of sexual abuse."[5] An independent investigator hired by the St. Paul and Minneapolis Archdiocese later cleared the complaints against Dudley.[9][6] He stated, "While living under the cloud of these accusations has been one of the greatest challenges of my life, I never lost faith and confidence that the truth would prevail."[9]
Later life & death
Dudley was awarded the Distinguished Alumnus Award by St. Paul Seminary in 2006.[10] He died later that year from lung disease at St. Joseph's Hospital in St. Paul, aged 79.[1] He is buried at Calvary Cemetery in Northfield.[1]