Archbishop Offers Apology; Survivors Say It Falls Short

The Kare
December 15, 2013

http://www.kare11.com/story/news/local/2013/12/15/archbishop-nienstedt-offers-apology/4035965/

Archbishop John Nienstedt

[with video]

DINA -- On the same day Archbishop John Nienstedt apologized to a packed sanctuary at Our Lady of Grace Church in Edina, the leader of an abuse survivors' group says the apology falls short of meaningful action.

"The Catholics of this state don't need him. They need good faith leaders," said Bob Schwiderski, the Minnesota Director of Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests or S.N.A.P. "The survivors of this state don't want him because he's not capable of reaching out to us."

Schwiderski added that he also doesn't believe Nienstedt's comment that he was "as surprised as anyone else," when the wave of allegations against priests began to form this fall.

On Sunday morning, Nienstedt addressed the allegations in a homily to a standing-room-only crowd at Our Lady of Grace Church in Edina, saying: "I am here to apologize for the indignation that you justifiably feel. You deserve better."

The Archbishop later made comments to the media, although he did not answer any questions.

"When I arrived here seven years ago, one of the first things I was told was that this whole question of clerical sex abuse had been taken care of," Nienstedt said.

He said that assurance led him to be surprised -- along with Catholics and the wider community -- at revelations and media reports disclosing the extent of alleged priest abuse in the diocese.

"I overlooked this. I should have investigated it a lot more than I did," he said.

The Archbishop continued by outlining his team's "goals," including their hope to provide "safe environments," for all Catholics, along with helping "those that have been victimized in their healing process" and restoring "confidence to our people who have lost confidence in us."

Nienstedt added that it was also important to continue to support the "97 percent of our priests who are honest, noble, hard-working, selfless individuals."

KARE 11 spoke with several members of the congregation Sunday morning. Several people expressed support for the Archbishop and his message, while others expressed ongoing concern.

On Monday, a different diocese will face difficult questions. Leaders in Winona plan to release a list of priests accused of sexual misconduct in that diocese.