Twin Cities Archdiocese Gave Too Much Power to Too Few in Handling Sex Abuse Claims

Daily Reporter
April 14, 2014

http://www.greenfieldreporter.com/view/story/0d5879ab84b44389925a382bda2d3d3b/MN--Church-Abuse-Minnesota

A task force examining the way the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis handled allegations of sexual abuse by priests says too much power was given to one or two people to decide how to handle claims.

The task force, which was commissioned by the archdiocese, recommended several changes Monday.

The report recommends a single review board, with a majority of laypeople, to review all allegations of clergy misconduct. A layperson would be named the archdiocese's delegate to manage its response to all misconduct reports.

The task force also recommends the archdiocese create a comprehensive auditing and monitoring program and develop more effective record-keeping. The report also says the archdiocese should set up an anonymous hotline where suspected abuse can be reported.