Top deputy at Twin cities archdiocese resigns

MINNESOTA
Seattle PI

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The top deputy at the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis has resigned amid criticism of how church officials have handled cases of priests accused of sexual abuse.

The archdiocese announced the resignation of the Rev. Peter Laird as vicar general in a statement Thursday. It quotes Laird as saying he’s hopeful his decision can help repair the trust of abuse victims and others.

His resignation follows a report by Minnesota Public Radio last week documenting how top church officials including Laird knew of sexual misconduct by the Rev. Curtis Wehmeyer, who’s now serving a prison sentence for sexually abusing two boys and possessing child pornography.

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