BishopAccountability.org

Priest Calls for Independent Investigation into Sex Abuse Claims

By Cassie Hart
KSTP
October 22, 2013

http://kstp.com/news/stories/S3198778.shtml


Bill Deziel

[with video]

A North St. Paul priest is calling for new leadership in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. It's just one of three suggestions Father Bill Deziel made in the Church of St. Peter's church bulletin.

He wrote that the Archdiocese needs an independent investigation to deal with two recent sexual allegations.

Two weeks ago, the Archdiocese named a priest to lead the investigation. The priest's first step would be to have the Archdiocese release the list of 33 priests who it believes have been credibly accused of sexually abusing children.

Father Deziel said it leaves everyone wondering who those men are and who may be a threat to children and young people.

Second, he says the Archdiocese needs to open the "so-called vault" that contains files on priests and then allow law enforcement to inspect those files and make decisions on what ones contain potentially criminal behavior.

The findings should be made public and charges filed if necessary, said Father Deziel.

Finally, Father Deziel says it may be time for a do-over with the Archdiocesan leadership.

He called these steps dramatic and bold, but said short of these actions, the good faith and credibility of the Archdiocese will be considered "suspect, or downright bankrupt for years."




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