Clarification on the Investigation into Archbishop Nienstedt

By Dennis Coday
National Catholic Reporter
September 5, 2014

http://ncronline.org/blogs/ncr-today/clarification-investigation-archbishop-nienstedt

An editing error led some readers of our editorial, Nienstedt should disclose findings of abuse investigation, to understand that the investigation into allegations of misconduct against Archbishop John Nienstedt by Auxiliary Bishop Lee Piche is complete. This is not correct, and the St. Paul-Minneapolis archdiocese has asked us to clarify that. Following is full text of a statement sent to us today from the archdiocese:

STATEMENT REGARDING INTERNAL INVESTIGATION

From Bishop Lee Piche, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis

“Several months ago, the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis received claims regarding alleged misbehavior involving Archbishop John Nienstedt. The claims did not involve anything criminal or with minors.

The Archbishop asked me to look into these claims, and the investigation is ongoing. We are still following up with individuals and information, which takes time depending on the availability of individuals and accessibility of information they may have. Any media report that the investigation is complete is inaccurate.

My interest is a thorough investigation with a focus on accuracy. To rush any part of this process would be a disservice to all involved.”

As the editorial says, in paragraph seven, "The archdiocese announced July 29 that the law firm doing the investigation, Greene Espel, had concluded its work. Piche said in a statement at that time the report 'does not comprise' the entire investigation." As we note later in the editorial, this does raise a myriad of questions, especially, who will get to see the full report once it is done? That question still stands.

The main point of our editorial also still stands: Archbishop Nienstedt, disclose the findings of the investigation now.