MINNESOTA
KSTP
[with video]
By: Beth McDonough
A newly released deposition shows the former top deputy at the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis suggested that Archbishop John Nienstedt consider the option of resigning in light of the clergy sex abuse scandal.
The Rev. Peter Laird resigned as the archdiocese’s vicar general last fall. Laird was the second in command, which means from 2009-2013 he was in charge of investigations, a whistleblower on the inside.
According to Laird’s court deposition made public Wednesday, he also suggested the resignation option to Nienstedt twice as the archdiocese struggled to respond to allegations that it mishandled clergy accused of abusing children.
“I think leaders have a responsibility to be accountable for decisions whenever they take place in an organization, and to signal trust. And the most important thing is that the archdiocese doesn’t have anything to hide, and let transparency work it’s course, “Laird said during the deposition.
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