MILWAUKEE (WI)
Duluth News Tribune
Associated Press
MILWAUKEE - Priests in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Milwaukee can be required to consent to unannounced searches of their homes in some situations under a new policy distributed to them, a newspaper reported Friday.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel said the policy affecting more than 400 priests and 150 deacons could be used if church officials suspect or know they have been involved in sexual conduct, alcohol or drug abuse, or other behavior deemed inappropriate by Archbishop Timothy Dolan.
The newspaper said it had obtained copies of the policy documents, which it said was mailed to clergy members starting last week and also included other restrictions.
It said the clerics will have to sign a form agreeing to the searches at any time of day or night as the archdiocese deems necessary, under the policy.
"Failure to comply with the restrictions could cause a reduction in salary and/or benefits provided to the member by the Archdiocese of Milwaukee," the documents state.
Posted by kshaw at April 15, 2005 09:07 AM