April 20, 2005

Searches of priest's homes called off

MILWAUKEE (WI)
Chicago Sun-Times

April 20, 2005

MILWAUKEE -- The Archdiocese of Milwaukee has backed off a policy for now that would have allowed church officials to search the homes or computers of priests accused of sexual misconduct.

Archbishop Timothy Dolan said Tuesday he would not put the policy into effect without ''vigorous consultation'' with priests.

Dolan had approved the policy in December, and priests were told about it last month. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has said it knew of no other such policy.

The Rev. Curt Frederick, vicar for clergy in the archdiocese, said he recommended the archbishop put the policy on hold because it had caused a ''firestorm.''

Posted by kshaw at April 20, 2005 07:58 AM