Archdiocese of St.paul and Minneapolis Searches for Firm to Review Clergy Files

KAAL
October 25, 2013

http://www.kaaltv.com/article/stories/S3200872.shtml?cat=10728

Top members of The Archdiocese of St.Paul and Minneapolis continue to search for a firm to review clergy files. Archbishop John Neinstedt called for the review in a post to the churches website Thursday. It is unclear if a law firm or other type of agency will carry out the review.

Legal experts tell KSTP TV that the key to this review will be transparency. Richard Painter of the University of Minnesota Law School said, "This happens in many contexts. In corporations, in government organizations and elsewhere. It is almost always better to confront problems earlier rather than later. To take steps to compensate people, take steps to hold those who are guilty accountable. If there is a cover up, the cost to be paid is going to be much more down the road."

The diocese said there are about 300 members of the active clergy who will have their files reviewed. The review will be done in addition to the Safe Environment and Ministerial Standards Task Force announced earlier this month.