MINNESOTA
Pioneer Press
By Emily Gurnon
egurnon@pioneerpress.com
The top official of the Roman Catholic Church in the Twin Cities has been accused of “inappropriate touching” of a boy on the buttocks in 2009.
The allegation was brought to police by a mandated reporter within the church, and has prompted Archbishop John Nienstedt to step aside from his “public ministry” temporarily while an investigation takes place, a Tuesday statement by the archdiocese said.
Nienstedt vehemently denies the charge.
The archdiocese “instructed the mandated reporter to make the matter known to police,” and its officials, including Nienstedt, “stand ready to cooperate fully with the St. Paul police,” the statement said.
Auxiliary Bishop Lee Piche, vicar general, will take over Nienstedt’s responsibilities, the statement said. The Rev. Charles Lachowitzer continues as vicar general and moderator of the curia.
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