Catholic pastor calls for release of Archdiocese's internal investigation into Nienstedt

By Tom Scheck
Minnesota Public Radio
June 27, 2015

http://www.mprnews.org/story/2015/06/27/catholic-pastor-urges-investigation-release

The head pastor at St. Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis is urging the Twin Cities Archdiocese to release details of an internal investigation into Archbishop John Nienstedt.

Father John Bauer wrote on his blog that releasing the details of the internal investigation into Nienstedt is imperative if the Archdiocese will be able to move forward.

He cited findings from an MPR News report that found Nienstedt limited an investigation into his conduct even though he himself authorized it.

The law firm hired by the archdiocese took statements that accused Nienstedt of inappropriate behavior including sexual advances to at least two priests. Neinstedt denied any inappropriate conduct. He resigned this month after criminal charges were filed over his handling of sexual abuse cases by priests in the archdiocese.

On his blog, Bauer wrote that since archdiocesan funds were used to pay for the investigation the right of the faithful to this information outweighs any objections.

When asked for comment, Archbishop Bernard Hebda, temporary caretaker for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, said he would seriously consider the points Father Bauer made.

"I will continue to meet with as many people as I can so that I may better understand the complexities of this situation and respond accordingly," Hebda said.