MINNESOTA
Star Tribune
Article by: BAIRD HELGESON , Star Tribune Updated: November 6, 2013
They want a change in leadership. Nienstedt says he’ll continue to work to restore trust.
Several significant donors to the Catholic Church and Catholic causes say they no longer support Archbishop John Nienstedt and will stop giving money to the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis until it has a new leader.
“His leadership has lost a lot of effectiveness,” said Jim Graves, a prominent Twin Cities hotelier and devoted Catholic. “I have nothing personally against the archbishop, but I think a change is appropriate.”
The archdiocese and Nienstedt have drawn intense criticism over the handling of allegations of sexual misconduct by priests and the archbishop said last month he is refocusing plans for a $160 million capital campaign. A feasibility study had been done to gauge support for fundraising the archdiocese described as essential.
In written responses to questions from the Star Tribune Wednesday, Nienstedt acknowledged the difficulties facing the archdiocese.
“I am sorry that many have lost confidence in me,” Nienstedt wrote. “I completely understand the sadness and frustration that is being expressed. It is my most sincere hope that the commitments and actions my leadership team and I are taking and will continue to take will restore trust with our communities.”
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