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  Exclusive: Archbishop Weakland's New Book

By Mick Trevey
Today's TMJ4
May 14, 2009

http://www.todaystmj4.com/news/local/45048112.html

MILWAUKEE - Former Milwaukee Archbishop Rembert Weakland's new book includes a frank discussion about the priest sex scandal, as well as Weakland's sexual relationship with another man.

TODAY'S TMJ4 reporter Mick Trevey obtained a publisher's preview copy of the manuscript. In the 423 pages of "A Pilgrim in a Pilgrim Church: Memoirs of a Catholic Archbishop," Weakland writes about his development as a priest and as an Archbishop.

The book also includes substantial discussion about the priest sex abuse scandal that happened during Weakland's 25 years with the Milwaukee Archdiocese.

Several times, Weakland writes that sex offender priests were given more attention than the abuse victims. He writes that "in handling these cases, I had accepted naively the common view that it was not necessary to worry about the effects on the youngsters: either they would not remember it or would 'grow out of it'."

Weakland admits, "our practice seemed to deal largely, if not exclusively, with the offender without much reference to those offended against."

He also admits to moving sex offender priests from one location to another. "Such a move would give the priest a chance to start over, and before 1985 this was common practice."

Weakland deals with his relationship with Paul Marcoux, a Marquette University graduate student. Weakland paid Marcoux not to discuss their relationship. However, the relationship was revealed shortly before Weakland retired in 2002.

On the relationship, Weakland writes "our relationship continued, for some months, while I kept closing my eyes to its conflict with my vow of celibacy, the sinfulness of it all."

Weakland also writes that he sought other relationships after the Marcoux affair. "Somewhat on the rebound, I was caught up over the next few years in an effort to find an intimate relationship with another."

The book's publisher planned to release the book in July. The publisher's website indicates they now plan to release the book in late May.

The Survivor's Network of those Abused by Priests has not reviewed the book. Today, they delivered a letter to the Milwaukee Archdiocese offices demanding a meeting with Weakland before Weakland moves to an abbey in New Jersey. One victim of abuse, John Pilmaier, said "I think Archbishop Weakland owes it to us before he leaves town to come clean on what happened."

 
 

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