Former Church Official Suggested Archbishop Should Resign

CBS Minnesota
May 28, 2014

http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2014/05/28/former-church-official-suggested-archbishop-should-resign/

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Newly released records show the man who was second in charge to Archbishop John Nienstedt had urged him to step down during the investigation of sexual abuse in the church.

The sworn deposition of former Archdiocese Vicar General Peter Laird was released on Wednesday.

Laird said he suggested resignation to Nienstedt on at least two occasions. And Laird himself resigned abruptly last October.

“I think leaders have a responsibility to be accountable for decisions whenever they take place in an organization and to signal trust,” Laird said. “And if the most important thing is that the Archdiocese doesn’t have anything to hide, then let transparency work its course.”

Victims groups say Laird should have made his recommendation for Nienstedt to resign public.

The survivors network also say Laird should have taken his concerns to police.