MINNESOTA
Pioneer Press
By Emily Gurnon
egurnon@pioneerpress.com
POSTED: 10/03/2013
The Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis said Thursday Vicar General Peter Laird resigned.
Laird’s departure came the same day as allegations emerged in a court hearing that the archdiocese possessed images of child pornography from the computer of Hugo priest Jonathan Shelley, and 10 days after a public radio news report about information that the archdiocese possessed but did not give to police regarding convicted St. Paul priest Curtis Wehmeyer’s sexual behavior.
“Over the last few years, this archdiocese has made significant progress in many areas, including how we have strengthened policies and practices regarding clergy misconduct,” Laird said in a statement posted on the archdiocese website. “The challenge to do better can never end until we have done everything in our power to prevent all acts of misconduct.
“I am hopeful that my decision to step aside at this time, along with the formation of a new task force, can help repair the trust of many, especially the victims of abuse,” he said.
Laird will remain as temporary administrator at Church of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Maplewood. Rev. Mark Huberty is on leave from that post in the wake of allegations that he had an inappropriate relationship with an adult woman.
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