SNAP “new St. Paul Archdiocesan Head’s First Step”

SNAP
June 16, 2015

http://www.snapnetwork.org/mn_snap_new_st_paul_archdiocesan_head_s_first_step

Archbishop John Nienstedt’s replacement should immediately disclose more information about Fr. Gerald Dvorak, the latest Twin Cities archdiocesan cleric to be accused of child sex crimes.

Last month, allegations against Fr. Dvorak surfaced publicly but Catholic officials refused to say

--when Nienstedt learned of the allegation

--how Nienstedt learned of the allegation

--which church official allegedly told law enforcement about it

--which law enforcement agency was allegedly told about it

--when church officials allegedly told law enforcement and

--where the abuse allegedly happened.

So much for “openness and transparency.”

It’s possible, therefore, that Nienstedt and other Twin Cities Catholic officials have known of and concealed this abuse report for years.

It’s especially outrageous that Twin Cities church officials refuse to say which police department they allegedly told of this abuse report. Lacking that, others who might help prove or disprove this allegation don’t know who to call to share what they may know about this case. That’s very self-serving and irresponsible.

Catholic officials should make it easier, not harder, for victims, witnesses and whistleblowers to be helpful. Church staff know know this. For their own selfish reasons – protecting their careers, comfort and reputations – they are deliberately making it harder for police and prosecutors to build a case against a credibly accused child molester. Hebda should take action on this case immediately.

We call on every Catholic employee and parishioner in Minnesota who has suspicions or knowledge of crimes by this cleric or church cover ups by any cleric to call police, expose wrongdoing, protect kids and start healing. And we call on Bishop Hebda to disclose more information about Fr. Dvorak immediately.