Ex Detroit Bishop Is in Firestorm of Controversy

SNAP
October 8, 2013

http://www.snapnetwork.org/mi_ex_detroit_archbishop_is_in_firestorm_of_controversy

Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, SNAPclohessy@aol.com)

Twin Cities Archbishop John Nienstedt, formerly of Detroit, is coming under fire for ignoring and concealing the alleged child sex crimes of at least two Minnesota priests - Fr. Jonathan Shelley and Fr. Curtis Wehmeyer.

Our group has called for a criminal investigation into Nienstadt and his staff. For years, in both cases, Catholic officials saw evidence or signs of suspected child sex crimes and refused to tell police, prosecutors, parents, parishioners and the public.

Nienstedt was born in Detroit, attended seminary in Detroit, was ordained in Detroit, and became a bishop in Detroit. We strongly suspect that, while in Detroit, he also hid, minimized and enabled clergy sex crimes.

We urge every current and former Detroit Catholic church employee or member to call police with any information or suspicions they may have about clergy sex crimes or cover ups, whether on Nienstedt's watch or later. It's never too late to tell law enforcement about known or possible crimes. It's crucial, if kids are to be safe, that those who commit OR conceal heinous crimes against kids are reported, exposed, investigated and prosecuted.

Contact - David Clohessy 314-566-9790 cell, SNAPclohessy@aol.com

Barbara Dorris 314-862-7688 home, 314-503-0003 cell, SNAPdorris@gmail.com

Barbara Blaine 312-399-4747, SNAPblaine@gmail.com