MINNESOTA
The Republic
By AMY FORLITI Associated Press
December 05, 2013
MINNEAPOLIS — In response to months of criticism and allegations that church leaders mishandled cases of clergy sexual misconduct, the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis said it planned Thursday to disclose the names of at least 29 priests who have been credibly accused of sexually abusing minors.
Archbishop John Nienstedt, who has been under fire for the way sexual misconduct cases were handled, said last month that he would reveal the priests’ names to show that he is committed to transparency and the safety of youth. But those familiar with similar cases say publishing the list is unlikely to do much to restore church leaders’ credibility.
“I think it’s going to be hard for him to really win back public opinion in this, because it has been such a long time,” said Terry McKiernan, president of BishopAccountability.org.
In 2004, the archdiocese compiled a list of 33 priests deemed to have been credibly accused of sexual abusing a minor. The list was put together as part of a nationwide study to determine the scope of clergy sex abuse. Across the country, roughly two dozen archdioceses and dioceses already have made such lists public.
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