MINNESOTA
KSTP
[with video]
By: Scott Theisen
It’s a significant development involving the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis following a chain of alarming allegations. Following mounting pressure, the archdiocese will release the names of priests accused of sexually abusing children.
Archbishop John Nienstedt announced the decision on Monday in an open letter. One expert told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS it signals the archdiocese may be turning a corner on this issue.
For some, that would be a welcome change.
“It has been swept under for way too long, and mistakes have been made,” said Shelley Olson, a parishioner in Minneapolis.
For weeks, it’s been allegations, revelations, and condemnations.
“I’ve talked with a lot of friends of mine that are Catholic, and they say, ‘When are they going to get their act together?'” said Lea Nowak, another parishioner in Minneapolis.
Many Catholics hope Monday was the day that happened.
It began with that statement from Archbishop Nienstedt, promising to release a list of, “the names, locations and status of priests who are currently living in the archdiocese, and who we know have substantiated claims against them of committing sexual abuse against minors.”
Note: This is an Abuse Tracker excerpt. Click the title to view the full text of the original article. If the original article is no longer available, see our News Archive.