MINNESOTA
LGBTQ Nation
MST. PAUL, Minn. — Twin Cities Catholic Archbishop John Nienstedt, who in 2010 advised a parishioner to reject her gay son or suffer eternal damnation, has stepped down from public ministry due to allegations that he inappropriately touched a young boy on the buttocks during a photo session a year earlier.
Authorities said the investigation against Nienstedt began on Monday — a day after he publicly apologized and addressed the media regarding sexual abuse allegations involving dozens of priests within the Diocese, reports WCCO-TV.
Nienstedt has denied the allegation but will voluntarily step aside from public ministry, effective immediately, while an investigation into the incident takes place.
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