GREEN BAY (WI)
Green Bay Press-Gazette
By Andy Nelesen
anelesen@greenbaypressgazette.com
In the face of another round of pressure to release names of clergy accused of sexual misconduct, Bishop David Zubik continues to hold fast in his stance to keep the names secret.
However, he maintains the church is taking steps to hold clergy accountable.
“We have taken and are taking seriously the matter of preventing the sexual abuse of children by clergy,” Zubik said in a release issued late Thursday.
“This is evident in the immediate removal from ministry anyone who commits such a heinous act,” Zubik said. “It is evident in our consistent procedure of turning over all allegations to civil authorities, who have the power and authority to investigate, determine credibility and prosecute.
“It is evident in our notification to worshipping communities and the media when a priest has been removed.”
Zubik’s statement was prompted by the sentencing of the Rev. James Stein on Thursday in Brown County Circuit Court. Stein received 10 years’ probation and a year in jail for molesting a boy in 1988.
Posted by kshaw at December 18, 2004 06:55 AM