Sex Abuse Survivors Group Calls for Removal of Cathedral Artwork, WISN, January 6, 2010

Sex Abuse Survivors Group Calls for Removal of Cathedral Artwork

WISN
January 6, 2010

http://www.wisn.com/news/22166730/detail.html

MILWAUKEE -- The archdiocese of Milwaukee is facing a new controversy just days after the installation of Jerome Listecki as the new archbishop.

The "Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests," or SNAP, is calling for the removal of cathedral artwork depicting former Archbishop Rembert Weakland.

Though the artwork has been there since the cathedral was renovated in 2002, SNAP just learned of it -- and said it presents a test for archbishop Listecki.

The artwork in question is at the front of the Cathedral. It's a statue depicting Mary, mother of the Church. Beneath it is the focus of the new controversy: a bronze plaque which includes a depiction of Weakland.

"This is an individual responsible for transferring, concealing, and moving dozens of priests who sexually assaulted and raped children. And he has immortalized himself in bronze. And we feel that it's not just that he put himself there -- it's that he's put himself there in the place of Jesus -- as someone who is sheltering and protecting children," said SNAP's Peter Isely.

The plaque was part of the $100,000 artwork installed in 2002 while Weakland was still archbishop. But Cathedral Pastor Carl Last said it is actually a representation of the ethnic groups in the Archdiocese -- and the Archdiocese itself.

"To identify the Archdiocese of Milwaukee we had three things. First, the Cathedral tower. Second, our patron Saint John the Evangelist. And third, the head of the church in Milwaukee at that time -- Archbishop Weakland," Pastor Last said.

Weakland took part in Listecki's installation this week, but was only briefly recognized by Listecki.

"Archbishop Weakland served the church for a long period of time. There's an aspect of wisdom. Were mistakes made? Obviously there were mistakes made. I think we have to analyze history and make sure we don't make the same mistakes," Listecki said during a news conference after his installation on Monday.

SNAP is also upset that Weakland is scheduled to appear at the cathedral next week for a conference to talk about the renovation project there.

The archdiocese told 12 News Wednesday that Listecki isn't commenting.