Priest Convicted Of Sex Abuse Now Raising Money To Buy Archdiocese Building

CBS Minnesota
September 9, 2015

http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2015/09/09/priest-convicted-of-sex-abuse-now-raising-money-to-buy-archdiocese-building/

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — A priest convicted of child sexual abuse is part of a group that is raising money to buy the Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis’ Chancery building.

The group, called the Gilead Project, is a collaborative venture of Susan Pavlak and Gil Gustafson. Gustafson was convicted of child sexual abuse as a priest and removed from public ministry in 2002.

The group says it hopes to turn the building into a place for healing for victims of sexual abuse. According to the project’s website, Pavlak, Gustafson and allies are aiming to “transform the environment of Church and society regarding sexual abuse and abuse of power.”

“Susan and Gil have shared their experiences, strength and hope with various audiences including prisoners who have committed sexual offenses, Department of Corrections classes, denominational officials and seminarians,” the website statement said.

According to county records, the property is valued at more than $5 million, but the Realty listing has the price listed as negotiable.

“We believe preserving the building supports the proposition that our healing comes from facing the evil we have done, and allowed, in our church,” the statement continues.

The building, located across from the Cathedral, was constructed in 1961.