Petition Calls for Resignation of Archbishop John Neinstedt

Fox 9
October 25, 2013

http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/story/23791633/petition-for-resignation-of-archbishop-john-neinstedt

[the petition] https://www.change.org/petitions/archbishop-john-neinstedt-should-resign-his-position-resign-his-position

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) -

A St. Paul parishioner has started an online petition calling for the resignation of Archbishop John Neinstedt.

Thomas Lyons collected about 70 signatures on his petition by Friday afternoon.

In a column published Thursday in the online version of The Catholic Sprit, Nienstedt apologized and ordered an outside review of all clergy files at the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. The archbishop acknowledges "some serious mistakes" and vowed "prudent and ongoing disclosure."

The archdiocese has been under intense scrutiny since whistleblower Jennifer Haselberger went to the Ramsey County attorney's office with claims that church leaders mishandled and covered-up allegations of abuse by priests.

Earlier this week, Father Bill Deziel of the Church of St. Peter in North St. Paul called for Nienstedt's resignation, suggesting a "do over with our archdiocesan leadership."