Former Archbishop to Move, Write Book, by Mick Trevey, Todays TMJ, May 9, 2009

Former Archbishop to Move, Write Book

By Mick Trevey
Today's TMJ
May 9, 2009

http://www.todaystmj4.com/news/local/44618732.html

MILWAUKEE - Former Archbishop of Milwaukee Rembert Weakland plans to write a book and leave the area.

Weakland served the Archdiocese of Milwaukee from 1977 to 2002 when he left amid accusations of a sexual scandal.

The archdiocese paid $45,000 in hush money to a man who accused Weakland of sexual assault. Weakland denies that any abuse happened.

Weakland, 82, has remained in Milwaukee since 2002 but recently announced plans to move to Morris Township, New Jersey.

He will live at the Saint Mary's Abbey which is run by Benedictine monks. The Abbey is attached to the expensive Delbarton School for boys.

Weakland will not have any role at the school. A spokesman said, "He will not be employed nor have any interaction with the students of Delbarton School."

Weakland is also scheduled to publish a book at the end of this month titled "A Pilgrim in a Pilgrim Church: Memoirs of a Catholic Archbishop."

The book is drawing criticism from people who worry he is trying to rewrite history. TODAY'S TMJ4 spoke with Peter Isely who represents the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests.

"He was responsible for some of the worst crimes against children that this city and this archdiocese has ever known," Isely said.

Isely accuses Weakland of shuffling abusive priests around to cover up their sexual assaults.

Weakland retired in 2002, and Isely is upset by Weakland's book that will come out later this month.

The book's publisher admits Weakland left in a sex scandal.. but says "that whiff of dishonor barely begins to tell the whole story".. something that Isely says is an attempt to rewrite history.

"To try to remake or reinvent yourself, I know it's America. After all you can do this kind of thing, but to do that is just not - not right."

The archdiocese says Weakland's time is history. "The archdiocese, of course, and the church in general has moved on."

Auxiliary Bishop William Callahan is running the Archdiocese of Milwaukee in the wake of Archbishop Timothy Dolan's departure.

Callahan hopes the book doesn't re-open old wounds. "With all due respect, that was then. This is now. And the church moves on."